Nominate a colleague for the Police Bravery Awards

24 February 2022

Each and every day brave officers put their lives on the line to protect others. It’s the nature of their role and is part of the job they signed up to do.

But, the Police Federation is keen to recognise those who really do go above and beyond the call of duty.

The annual Police Bravery Awards are held to celebrate police officers’ bravery and now is the time to put someone forward for the 2022 awards.

“I really do feel that officers on the ground are ideally placed to nominate a colleague for these awards,” says Sarah Cooper, chair of West Mercia Police Federation.

“If you are aware of a colleague who has rushed towards danger when others would run away or who has barely hesitated when faced with a life-threatening incident, then please let the Federation know.

“Perhaps you know an officer who has saved the life of a member of the public and while doing so put their own life on the line.

“All you have to do is let the office know the name of the officer and a brief outline of the incident and we can take it from there.”

Last year, three West Mercia officers were honoured at the Police Bravery Awards.

At the 2021 awards, which were held in December, PC Craig Prewer was recognised for risking his own safety to rescue a man trapped in deep water at a disused pumping station.

In October, the delayed 2020 awards finally went ahead with PCs Lee Phillips and Christopher Donovan nominated after rescuing a vulnerable man from the fast-flowing River Severn.

As well as attending the gala presentation evening, the nominees and their invited guests also enjoyed a Downing Street reception hosted by the Home Secretary.

Outside No 10 are PC Chris Donovan (left) and PC Lee Phillips

Lee, a response officer at Shrewsbury, said afterwards: “I think it’s important to recognise the bravery and sacrifices that police officers across the country make day in and day out. These awards are just the tip of the iceberg for all the amazing acts of courage shown by officers every day.

“I was honoured to be recognised for this award and humbled to be among so many amazing officers that night. But the fact is, this is our job, it’s what we joined the police to do, and every day we just put on our uniforms and do our best.”

Christopher, who is based at Bridgnorth Police Station, said: “I was very happy to have been nominated for the award. We go to work every day not expecting to be thanked for the job we do.

“Officers day in, day out go to jobs where we can face difficult situations but we do it because it's the job we joined to do. I would do it all again if I was called on, without hesitation and I'm sure colleagues across the country would do the same.”

The 2022 Police Bravery Awards will take place in July and the closing date for nominations is 14 March.

If you would like to nominate a colleague, please email Sarah Cooper.