National Police Bravery Awards: branch sends praise to ‘exceptional’ West Mercia nominees

7 July 2025

The heroic duo set to represent West Mercia Police at the 2025 national Police Bravery Awards have received warm wishes from the branch ahead of the event.

Sergeant Kully Singh and PC Stacey Hegenbarth will attend the Bravery Awards on Thursday (10 July) in a London ceremony recognising outstanding acts of courage by officers from across England and Wales.

This follows the Force award Kully and Stacey received earlier this year for their incredible handling of a critical incident on the M5 motorway last July.

Collision

Called to reports of a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction down the southbound carriageway, the officers faced an extremely dangerous and difficult task in bringing the situation to a halt without harming surrounding traffic.

With Kully at the wheel of a Force car, the high level of trust and skill between the pair saw them bravely manoeuvre to stop the vehicle, which was moving at reckless speed.

A near head-on collision was the price they had to pay, however, leaving both officers with severe whiplash and Stacey with a concussion and abdominal bruising – all of which have now been fully recovered from.

Sergeant Kully Singh and PC Stacey Hegenbarth.

Thanks to their decisive actions, these injuries were the extent of the incident’s consequences, as multiple lives were potentially saved within the traffic that sat only metres behind the pair’s protection.

You can read more about the nomination here.

Speaking on behalf of West Mercia Police Federation, Steve Butler said: “As the Bravery Awards take place this week, I want to wish Kully and Stacey the best of luck for what should be a very enjoyable and proud day.

“Being at the ceremony as nominees is a fantastic achievement, and something they undoubtedly deserve for their exceptional actions on the motorway last summer.

Dangerous

“It takes a special kind of courage to face down such a dangerous situation, and they did so with incredible skill and resolve, risking their own lives for the sake of the public’s.

“On behalf of the Federation, I want to remind them both how proud we are of them as officers and as people, and I hope they have a lovely time down in London this week.” 

Kully and Stacey will attend the Bravery Awards ceremony accompanied by family.

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