West Midlands Police: Police Awards – force salutes officer bravery and outstanding citizens

September 21, 2012, 9:56 am

Police officers and members of the public have been honoured for acts of bravery and selflessness in the annual West Midlands Police awards ceremony.

Read about the winners and their stories.

More than 30 accolades were presented at the event on Wednesday night (Sept 19) in recognition of outstanding contributions to tackling crime, life-saving first aid, and heroic interventions from members of the public.

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They include PCs who overpowered knifemen to rescue young children from two violent domestic incidents, and firearms officers who used their advanced trauma care skills to save the life of a stab victim.

Other officers were recognised for breaking up a drugs import network from South America, plus a police patrol man who drove colleagues to safety during last year’s riots as his car came under fire from bricks and bottles.

But the ceremony also marks selfless acts from members of the public who, over the last year, have come to the aid of fellow citizens  and sometimes risked their own safety to help out.

West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson, said: “Police officers display acts of determination and courage on every shift, every day of the week, in order to protect the public.

“As the murders of PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes in Manchester have sadly highlighted, officers can come up against dangers, often unexpected dangers, in the line of duty  and it’s only right we acknowledge acts of bravery and professionalism.

“In addition, it was a pleasure to present awards to 13 citizens who’ve displayed impressive public spirit to help others and the police.”

They included an Erdington man who tracked a bag-snatch thief and directed officers via 999 so they could make a swift arrest, and a supermarket manager who restrained a man who threatened customers with a hockey stick.

An eight year-old schoolgirl picked up West Midlands Police’s Young Person of the Year Award after working with neighbourhood police to produce a road safety DVD to combat traffic concerns near her school.