First-ever West Midlands Bravery Award winner encourages nominations for 2025 event

7 October 2024

PC Glenn Brabham was named overall winner at the Federation’s inaugural regional Bravery Awards on 31 January earlier this year, receiving the PC David Green Shield.

The title also saw him go forward as the West Midlands’ nominee for the national version of the event, held in London over the summer.

With plans underway for the county’s Bravery Awards next year, Glenn urged members to nominate their heroic colleagues: “This year’s ceremony was a brilliant evening – not just because I was fortunate enough to win, but because it was a real time to just stop and remember the extraordinary things we do as police officers.

PC Glenn Brabham.

“Even recently, we have seen our actions scrutinised due to the riots across the UK, but that didn’t stop our level of dedication and sacrifice.

“I’m sure we have all seen someone we work with go above and beyond in the last 12 months, so now is the chance to get them recognised.”

Glenn received his nod for the West Midlands Bravery Awards after he rescued two elderly women who were beneath an unstable car that had accidentally reversed into them last year.

With both women unresponsive, the 42-year-old courageously manoeuvred himself underneath the vehicle and remained there for over five minutes, managing to remove one lady himself and then assisting Fire and Ambulance teams with the extraction of the other.

First prize

His actions in this precarious situation saw him clinch first prize for Sandwell – one of seven local categories, along with Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton – and then the overall gong.

As well as geographical area categories, the Sam Hughes Inspiration in Policing Award, in memory of former Federation branch deputy chair Sam who died in 2023, will also be presented for a second year running.

Finally, he attended the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW)’s national ceremony in July, where losing out in the Region 3 category to a group of West Mercia Police officers did little to dampen his spirits.

“The whole day in London – not just the ceremony itself – was a great occasion. I was joined by my wife, Becca, and we both enjoyed the reception at Downing Street before the evening very much,” Glenn continued.

“I tried to take everything in on the day. There were some really special moments throughout. The chance for someone to experience all of makes it worth submitting a nomination alone.

“And it’s not just about that final destination of the national awards – the journey to that point was just as memorable for me. The quick trajectory of wins at local and regional level was a bit of a whirlwind and it’s something I’ll remember and treasure for the rest of my career.”

If you know of a colleague who would be fitting of this success next year, you can fill out an application form and submit it before Friday 18 October.

Encouragement

All supervisors within the Force have been sent a nomination form for the awards and requested to circulate to their Constables (Force systems do not allow us to email globally), but if you do not have access to the form, please email the Federation office so that it can be sent directly to you.

Glenn rounded off with a message of encouragement for Federation members to get involved with the celebration of police officers county-wide.

“It’s important to remember that having to deal with the challenges we face may be our every day, but it’s not everyone else’s.

“A lot of officers don’t feel at their most comfortable being made a fuss of – me included – but it’s okay to accept praise.

“We deserve to be recognised and appreciated for what we do.”

Federation chair Rich Cooke echoed Glenn’s sentiments, adding: “Our inaugural Bravery Awards were a huge success and I have no doubt it will be the same in 2025.

“Our sponsors – including headline sponsorship from Slater and Gordon Lawyers, once again – will help us ensure a fantastic night is had by all.

“It’s more important than ever to signify the work police officers do and the sacrifices they make. No one does it for the awards, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have them.

“I invite Federation members to an submit a nomination for a colleague who has reminded them in the past year that our service to the public will always matter.”