Federation member nominated for Pride of Britain Award

23 October 2024

A Nottinghamshire Police Federation member who received life-threatening injuries while on duty was stunned to be nominated for a Pride of Britain Award

PC Chris Duffy thought he may have been on the receiving end of a practical joke when the email landed to say he was up for one of the prestigious awards.

But it soon became clear that the nomination was real and he has spoken of his pride at the recognition.

Chris said: “I still don’t know who nominated me. I assume it was someone from work.

“I only found out a week before they wanted to do some filming, so it all came as a complete surprise – I genuinely didn’t have a clue.”

PC Chris Duffy and police Dog Reno.

He added: “I did originally think it may have been a wind up because the email came from a non-company account, so I thought this can’t be real.

“But then I got follow-up emails from ITV and the Daily Mirror, and then you start to realise it is true.”

Chris was arresting a suspect when he was struck with a weapon, receiving a seven-inch wound to the back of his head before being subjected to a sustained assault.

It left Chris with his skull exposed, and he was lucky not to receive life-ending or life-altering injuries.

Chris fought back and the attacker ran from the scene. He managed to get back to his feet and with Police Dog Reno located the attacker, who was arrested by officers.

Chris was nominated for a Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Bravery Award for his actions in the early hours of Saturday 11 March, 2023.

And he was one of four nominees for the Pride of Britain This Morning Emergency Services award.

Chris appeared on ITV’s This Morning programme to talk about his experience, and you can watch his film here.

The Pride of Britain 'This Morning Emergency Services' award is for men and women in uniform who go above and beyond in the line of duty.

PC Chris Duffy was also nominated for a PFEW Police Bravery Award.

Chris said: “The nomination is incredible. It’s something to be proud of.

“What a memory to have with my dog behind me.

“To be in the final four of no doubt thousands of people is very humbling.”

He added: “Everyone has been really amazing about it.

“I think at one point they thought Carol Vorderman might be coming into work to film a video – I’m not sure where that one started.”

Simon Riley, Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair, said: “I’ve known Chris for a long time now and know what an exceptional and dedicated officer he is.

Courage

“Coming back from this kind of incident and having the bravery to put yourself in harm’s way is really not easy, so I really am full of admiration for the courage he has displayed in returning to duty.

“He and Reno make a formidable team, and we are fortunate to have them here at Nottinghamshire Police.”

Superintendent Louise Clarke added: “Chris has shown a huge amount of courage – not only on the night in question but also over the weeks and months since he and PD Reno have returned to duty.

“In doing so, he has shown all the qualities and more that the public expect from their police officers.

“We are really proud of Chris and hope this nomination helps to shed further light on the exceptional bravery and dedication he and his colleagues so often display as they work to keep the public safe.”