Hero officers ‘humbled’ to win regional Bravery Award
11 July 2025
PC Stacey Hegenbarth says she is proud to be a West Mercia Police officer after winning a Bravery Award with colleague Sergeant Kully Singh.
The officers were regional winners at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) event, which took place last night (Thursday 10 July).
And Stacey paid tribute to the bravery of colleagues in West Mercia and across the country.
Stacey said: “I’m humbled by the award, and I’m really proud to represent West Mercia.
Stacey and Kully flank Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
“Everyone does things on a daily basis that are worthy of being here, so it’s a privilege to be receiving the award.”
Her comments were echoed by Kully, who said the pair ‘were doing their job’.
He said: “I’m massively humbled by it. The stories we have heard are so harrowing, heroic, and courageous. We came to do our job. I know it’s been said so many times, but we genuinely did. It’s really nice to be recognised.”
Heroic
The officers were nominated for their incredible handling of an incident on the M5 motorway last July.
Called to reports of a vehicle travelling at reckless speed in the wrong direction on the southbound carriageway, the officers faced a dangerous and difficult task in bringing the situation to a safe conclusion.
With Kully driving, they manoeuvred to stop the vehicle with a near head-on collision.
It left the officers with severe whiplash and Stacey with a concussion and abdominal bruising, from which they have fully recovered.
West Mercia Police workplace representative, Sergeant Rob 'Swoosh' Seewoosaha, who accompanied the duo to London for the event, said: “Kully and Stacey’s courageous actions brought an incredibly dangerous situation to an end.
Selflessness
“They displayed remarkable bravery and unbelievable selflessness, knowing that they were putting themselves in danger to protect the public.
“It highlights the risks officers face every day, in facing up to dangerous situations."
Rob, who is not only a colleague of Kully and Stacey but also a friend, added: "It was an absolute honour to join them in London, to celebrate with them both and best of all, see them recognised for their work.
"This is the second time I've been lucky enough to attend the event. The stories we hear, the people we meet and the overall pride felt throughout the day and night never ceases to amaze me.
“Kully and Stacey are thoroughly deserving of their award, and on behalf of West Mercia Police Federation, I send our congratulations."
Their incident was mentioned by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper during her speech at the awards ceremony.
Kully and Stacey with their regional winners awards.
She said: “If the stories (of bravery) tell us anything, it's the way in which all of you need to be ready to respond to anything that you face.
“Whether it's the off-duty officers in Lancashire or Southall breaking up fights in the street, or in Cleveland, Cumbria, West Mercia, the West Midlands, dealing with the mobs or gas explosions or speeding vehicles or dangerous dogs.”
This year’s overall winners of the Bravery Awards were Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry, from Merseyside Police.
The trio confronted and detained Axel Rudakubana after he killed three children at a dance class in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024.
Ms Cooper thanked all police officers for ‘keeping us safe’.
She said: “I’m hugely grateful, but I say this on behalf of people right across the country, we are hugely grateful for the bravery you show.
Difficult
“Not just to face the really difficult things but then also to get back up the following morning and to face it all again.
“Thank you for doing that. Thank you for caring so much for the job that you do.
“And thank you so much for being part of the amazing thing that is British policing.
“Thank you for keeping us safe.”
The Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, sent a video message to nominees.
He said: “When faced with life-threatening risks, or an acutely distressing situation, most people would run or back away.
“But not you. You step up. You go towards the danger. You put the needs of others before your own. That’s why policing truly is a job like no other.
“It’s why my government will always do everything in our power to support you in your vital mission.
“On behalf of our whole country, I want you to know we appreciate your skill, your service, and your sacrifice. Not just today, but always.”
Sacrifice
The Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson added: “Congratulations to every single nominee. You deserve all the plaudits and praise you receive.
“Regardless of whether you won or not, I hope you are all feeling incredibly proud of yourself. Your families, friends, and colleague are also incredibly proud of you.
“For all that you have done and continue to do, thank you.”
PFEW national chair, Tiff Lynch, also thanked and praised officers for their ‘unwavering dedication, never knowing what challenges they may face’.
Tiff said: “In the face of uncertainty, danger and adversity they act with courage and professionalism – not for accolades or applause, but because they truly believe in their duty to protect others.
“Tonight, as we celebrate the 30th Police Bravery Awards, we come together to recognise those whose actions have gone far beyond what is expected. The stories we share are not just examples of bravery – they are powerful reminders of the extraordinary risks officers take to keep our communities safe.
“Whether confronting violent attackers, rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations, or making split-second decisions under immense pressure, these officers have shown exceptional courage and selflessness.”
