Fed member does West Midlands proud at 2024 national Police Bravery Awards

12 July 2024

West Midlands Police Federation’s nominee for the national Police Bravery Awards was among the police officers recognised at the event held in London yesterday (Thursday 11 July).

PC Glenn Brabham was in contention for the Region 3 Bravery Award following his heroic rescue of two elderly women from underneath an unstable car that had accidentally reversed into them last year.

Glenn courageously positioned himself under the vehicle to reassure the women before managing to remove one of them from the precarious situation. The second woman was then brought to safety with the help of fire and ambulance crews. Both were subsequently taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and continue to make good recoveries from their injuries.

The Region 3 category was won by three officers from West Mercia Police, who saved a woman from drowning in her car after it was swept up by floodwater.

Dedication

A day of celebration for the dedication of cops far and wide was nevertheless still thoroughly enjoyed by Glenn, who made the trip to the capital with his wife, Becca.

Representing West Midlands Police Federation was chair Rich Cooke, who said: “Once again, it was a pleasure to be representing West Midlands Police Federation at this year’s ceremony. It’s a real chance to let police officers know how valued they are and that’s wonderful to be a part of.”

Earlier this year, Glenn was the recipient of the 2024 PC David Green Shield at the first-ever West Midlands Police Bravery Awards.

Rich added: “I am very happy that Glenn was able to enjoy his time in the spotlight at a national level.

Supporting West Midlands Police Federation nominee Glenn Brabham (second left)
at the national Police Bravery Awards ceremony in London are PCC Simon Foster,
Chief Constable Craig Guildford and branch chair Rich Cooke.

“He deserves all the recognition he has received, we are all so proud of him.”

The awards ceremony, the 29th of its kind, kicked off in the evening and was introduced by deputy national chair for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), Tiff Lynch.

“Tonight, we will hear extraordinary stories of bravery. Officers who will say, ‘it’s just part of the job’, but it’s not just part of the job – it’s going above and beyond the requirements of the job, and tonight we get the chance to recognise and thank those officers,” said Tiff.

Present at the ceremony were the newly appointed Home Secterary, Yvette Cooper, and policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson DBE, who both delivered speeches in praise of the nominees’ courage and commitment.

Ms Cooper, attending her 14th bravery awards, said: “The reason I’ve attended so many Police Bravery Awards is because I think it’s so important to respect and recognise the work you do.

Inspirational

“And because the stories are always so inspirational, often so difficult, the incredibly difficult situations you have faced. The extreme violence that you will have had to work towards, the dangerous rescues that so many of you have undertaken.”

Ms Cooper also recalled last year's event, in which she presented a team of West Midlands officers with the overall national Police Bravery Award, following the Babbs Mill tragedy.

She said: “Their overwhelming emotion when they collected the award was of deep distress that those young lives had been lost, despite their efforts.

“That moment captured what is so important about British policing. The most selfless service that those officers showed in the most dangerous of situations, and their determination to do everything they could to try to help, but also their compassion for those who needed their help.

“It’s that combination that is so special to British policing. I am so proud of British policing and I am so proud of the work you do.”

Audience

Later in the evening, Dame Diana addressed the audience with a message of her own: “To you and all your colleagues, for what you do to keep the public safe, thank you. I was struck by the impressive people you are.

“A phrase that stuck out for me is ‘forever going into the unknown’.

“Your families must be so proud of you. I am so proud of you. To those here tonight, be proud of what you do. It could not matter more.”

Tributes from the pair came after they had been part of an exclusive Downing Street reception with nominees and guests, in what was the first official event hosted by members of the new UK Government after last week’s General Election.

Host in the evening was TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith, with Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington also in attendance.

The annual event is organised by the PFEW and is sponsored by Police Mutual.