National Police Bravery Awards: Scott does Suffolk proud at ceremony

10 July 2026

Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Swallow was recognised at the national Police Bravery Awards, representing Suffolk Constabulary.

A consistent highlight on the policing calendar, the annual Bravery Awards - now in its 31st year - was hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) in London.

Scott received his nomination after he took control of an incident involving a dangerous, knife-wielding individual while off duty and travelling with his son, Jayden.

And he was joined by his wife as he made the trip to the capital for the Bravery Awards, where he first enjoyed an exclusive Downing Street reception with the Home Secretary before the awards ceremony later in the day.

Scott’s Region 4 category was won by officers at Northamptonshire Police, while nominees from the Metropolitan Police were announced as overall winners for their response to the Hainault attacks in April 2024.

 

Left to right: Suffolk Police Federation secretary Ben Hudson, Chief Constable Rachel Kearton and Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Swallow.

 

Opening the evening was PFEW national chair Tiff Lynch, who delivered some heartfelt words on the dedication and selflessness found within policing.

She said: “Tonight, we will hear stories of individual valour – accounts of sensitivity and love in the face of the most heartbreaking vulnerability.

“Every nominee story is in the brochure on your table, and I ask that you take the time to read all of them. Because together, they paint a remarkable picture of modern policing.

“Policing asks a lot – you only have to look into the eyes of the people waiting for you to come home after every shift to understand that. It asks you to walk towards danger when everyone else is running away, and it asks you to make split-second, life-changing decisions in unpredictable circumstances.

Courageous and compassionate

“It asks you to be courageous and compassionate in equal measure.”

Later in her speech, Tiff, while maintaining ‘this night is for celebration’, took the opportunity to mention those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, adding: “I’d like to invite you all to stand with me for a moment to remember the police officers whose lives we have mourned in the last year.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood again addressed nominees and guests at the ceremony – this time via video message – to lay on praise for the various outstanding acts of courage being celebrated through the awards.

“It is my privilege to serve as your Home Secretary and to represent you all in government, especially on a day like today as we celebrate acts of heroism which would otherwise go unheralded,” she said.

“With these awards, we honour your bravery, and we think too of your colleagues on duty right now, as well as your families who share your sacrifice and the officers and staff no longer with us.

Thank you

“Today is a chance to say what is too rarely said – thank you, on behalf of the whole country, for the danger you face and the lengths you go to in keeping the rest of us safe.

“I want to issue you with a firm instruction to put away your modesty and soak up the praise that is coming your way tonight.”

Branch secretary Ben Hudson and Suffolk Constabulary’s Chief Constable Rachel Kearton – in what will be her final Bravery Awards before retirement – were also present on the night in support of Scott.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ben said: “Tonight for me is the pinnacle of the Federation year – it’s my favourite night of the year, and it celebrates everything good in British policing.

Proud

“Tonight, we’re here with Scott, who’s gone and done more than he ever needed to do, off duty, to keep the public safe. It’s exactly what we want all our members to do, who we remain extremely proud of daily.”

Chief Constable Rachel echoed these thoughts, adding: “I think everybody who goes out on duty every day, whether they’re in uniform or not, whether they’re a volunteer or not, is putting their life on the line – but also when they’re off duty too, as we’ve seen here.

“Tonight is a reflection of those who have actually found themselves in these situations and taken some really brave action.

“I think, after 37 years [in policing], I reflect on the people I’ve crossed paths with. Tonight is very humbling, because it makes me think of all those people who are out and about every day, putting themselves out there for the safety of our communities, and it makes me very proud.”

READ MORE: Bravery nominee reflects on Downing Street visit.