Bravery Awards nominees praised by Fed chair ahead of ceremony
9 July 2024
Federation chair Steve Butler has wished luck to three West Mercia police officers ahead of the 2024 national Police Bravery Awards.
The life-saving trio of PC Tom Simmonds, PS Lee Baker and PS Shannon Murphy were nominated for the Bravery Awards after rescuing a woman who had driven into a flooded ford at Bow Brook, in Worcestershire last April (2023).
The cops’ heroics included wading into the floodwater and smashing the window of the woman’s car, which was being submerged deeper by the minute, in order to pull her to safety.
Steve said: “Tom, Lee and Shannon displayed tremendous bravery and I’m so glad their nomination means that day is still being recognised all this time later.
“In my eyes, they would certainly be deserving winners of the national award, although the Fed already couldn’t be prouder of them, whatever happens. I’m sending them my best wishes and I hope they all enjoy the ceremony.”
Branch secretary Pete Nightingale will be attending this year's Bravery Awards, set to be held on 11 July in London. He echoed Steve’s tributes to the nominees: “What I really like about their actions is the level of teamwork that was on show – in such difficult conditions, they had to save the woman, but had to look after each other too.
“I am proud to be representing the Federation in support of them on the night.”
Tom and Lee themselves will be present at the ceremony, alongside their wives, Sophie and Bonnie, respectively. Shannon, unfortunately, is unable to attend due to being on holiday. Temporary ACC Alex Murray, will also make the trip down to the capital on behalf of the force.
You can read more about Tom, Lee and Shannon's nomination here.
READ MORE: Increase access to double crewing, urges Federation.
