Bravery Awards: Hero officer and his family praised by Home Secretary
11 July 2025
A West Midlands Police Federation member nominated for saving a woman’s life who was being mauled by vicious dogs has been praised by the Home Secretary.
Yvette Cooper used her speech at the Police Federation of England and Wales annual Bravery Awards to pay tribute to officers up and down the country.
And she thanked Sergeant Paul Williams, who tackled two dangerous dogs who were attacking a woman in the street.
Ms Cooper said: “If the stories (of bravery) tell us anything, it's the way in which all of you need to respond and be ready to respond to anything that you face.
“(Whether it’s) officers in the West Midlands dealing with dangerous dogs.
Sergeant Paul Williams and his wife Jemma at the Police Bravery Awards.
“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.
“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
“Thank you for keeping us safe.”
Paul was joined by awards nominees from across the country for a reception at the Foreign Office ahead of the awards ceremony on Thursday evening.
Paul, who shared the experience with his wife Jemma, said: “It was great spending time with the officers who have done amazing things and hearing their stories.
“Getting to come to Downing Street with her, to meet the Home Secretary, and to have some time away is a really positive experience, and nice to be part of.”
And there were words of thanks from the Home Secretary for officers’ families.
Police family
She said: “Family members do so much to support all of our police family in the work they do.
“The policing family includes all of those family members who are here, who have to get the kids to school and sorting things out at home.
“They deal with the stress and the worry and provide the support so that every one of you can do your job, so please join with me in saying a huge thank you and paying tribute to these people.”
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jess Davies congratulated Paul on his nomination.
“We are incredibly proud of Paul,” she said. “He showed the best of policing and of West Midlands Police in risking his own safety to save the life of another.
Bravery and selflessness
“Paul and our members are performing incredible acts of bravery and selflessness every day, and we thank them all.”
Jess also thanked the Home Secretary for acknowledging the sacrifices made by family members.
She said: “Families ultimately go through what our members go through, sharing in the highs and the lows, and the uncertainty that comes with each shift, all while doing their own job or caring responsibilities.
“Officers don’t want to take the job home with them, but sometimes family members are their only outlet.
“So it’s really pleasing to hear the Home Secretary acknowledging the enormous sacrifices that our members and their families make.”
Bravery Awards winners
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.
The regional award was won by Sergeant Kully Singh and PC Stacey Hegenbarth of West Mercia Police.
They used their police car to stop a vehicle driving at a recklessly high speed in the wrong direction on the M5.
Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer also spoke at the awards.
He said: “When faced with life-threatening risks, or an acutely distressing situation, most people would run or back away.
Job like no other
“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.”
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’.
Protect others
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.”
