Brave officer at Downing Street reception

13 December 2021

A West Mercia police officer who risked his own safety to rescue a man trapped in deep water at a disused pumping station has been honoured at the 2021 Police Bravery Awards.

PC Craig Prewer joined fellow nominees from across England and Wales at the event in London last Thursday (9 December) which was also attended by policing minister Kit Malthouse, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.

Earlier in the day he and his partner joined other nominees at a Downing Street reception hosted by Home Secretary Priti Patel.

West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper, who accompanied the couple to the awards, said: “This incident presented a unique and challenging set of circumstances which PC Prewer overcame in order to save the life of a member of the public. It makes me incredibly proud to work alongside colleagues who act in such a brave and selfless way to protect our communities,  despite the very real risk to their own safety.

“But it makes me even more proud when I can see their efforts recognised at events such as the Police Bravery Awards. Each and every day, police officers carry out acts of bravery while serving and protecting their communities. While it would be impossible for them all to attend these awards, I hope that in seeing colleagues’ efforts recognised, officers understand that their critical role is appreciated even though that may not always seem to be the case.”

PC Prewer was nominated for the awards after pulling the man to safety when he had been in the water for up to four hours and was suffering from hypothermia.

The run-down building posed a series of hazards to PC Prewer’s own safety as he carried out the rescue.

After pulling the man to safety, PC Prewer, who has 23 years’ service with the Force, returned to ensure was no one else was trapped in the building.

The national Police Bravery Awards, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales, honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

Four West Yorkshire Police officers who detained two attackers who murdered a man with a samurai sword were named overall winners at the awards ceremony.

The colleagues were honoured for their professionalism during a horrific incident in January 2020 when they responded to reports of a man being viciously attacked outside a pharmaceutical factory in Huddersfield.

The officers – one of whom was in the first two weeks of her career – were confronted by the barbaric sight of attackers hacking at the victim with a sword and knives when they arrived at the scene. They bravely managed to detain both assailants, despite the offenders still being in possession of the murder weapon and knives.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the “dedication and conscientiousness” of all the nominees and paid tribute to their bravery.

He said: “Acts of bravery in policing are, necessarily and thankfully for us all, commonplace. Every day, local and national media is awash with examples of police heroism. Be it confronting dangerous and violent people, rescuing members of the public or working day and night on the most harrowing of cases, bravery is a defining characteristic of the police.

“It is this unflinching bravery, alongside your dedication and conscientiousness, that inspires my steadfast support for the police.

“I am bowled over by the nominees. You are a credit to your forces and your illustrious forebears in policing. I salute each and every one of you.”

Kerry McMahon-White, head of partnerships at Police Bravery Awards sponsor Police Mutual, said: “The role of a police officer has never been easy, but the last 18 months has seen you continue to protect the public while battling the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, putting the safety of others before yourself with unwavering commitment.

“I thank each one of you for the sacrifices you have made with resolute dedication in the most difficult of circumstances.

“To all of you who have been nominated; your acts of bravery are exceptional and this evening we pay tribute to your remarkable heroism and dedication.

“All at Police Mutual are honoured to be able to support those who have gone above and beyond and offer our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all nominees.”