Police officers were rewarded for their courage at the 19th national Police Bravery award ceremony in October. The event, which was organised and hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales and supported by Police Mutual, began with a drinks reception at 10 Downing Street, before guests were invited to Plaisterers’ Hall for dinner followed by an awards ceremony.
The event was attended by Home Secretary Theresa May, Police Minister Mike Penning and Met Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe among other dignitaries. Outstanding acts of heroism were rewarded, including flood rescues, arson attacks, river rescues, stopping a hit and run driver and confronting armed offenders.
The awards were established 19 years ago to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the police service. The gala evening honours officers who put themselves at risk of death or serious harm performing their duties.
Guests began with a drinks reception before moving into the Great Hall where they were welcomed by Steve White, Chair, Police Federation of England and Wales, who introduced a video message from the Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Guests then enjoyed a three course meal by Create Food & Party Design, with main courses including roasted sirloin of British beef with leek, colston basset stilton and potato terrine, wilted spinach, thyme and garlic roasted wedges of pumpkin and roasting jus, and artichoke and thyme pithivier with buttery mash, wilted spinach, beetroot puree and roasted garlic cream, followed by molten chocolate cake with cranberry ice cream, salted pecan and rosemary brittle and malted milk panna cotta.
Then it was time for the awards to get underway. In the running to be crowned the bravest officer of the year were 66 officers from 31 forces across England and Wales, with the eight winners being announced during the evening, followed by an overall winner.
On the night the National Police Bravery Award went to Sgt Stephen Brown, who found himself fighting for his life on Christmas Eve 2012 when he tackled and disarmed a man who was trying to slash him with a Samurai sword.
