Police Bravery Awards 2009 - Region 3: West Midlands officers scoop regional bravery award
16 July 2009
Two officers from the West Midlands have tonight received the Midlands regional award at the 14th annual Police Bravery Awards in London, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and The Sun Newspaper.
PS Richard Jacques and PS Jonathan Keates received the award at a glittering award ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where they and 58 other nominees, met the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
The two officers responded to reports that a man had locked himself in the porch of a block of flats, doused himself in petrol and was threatening to set himself alight.
As the officers attempted to negotiate with the man he became agitated and poured more petrol on himself. Using the man’s distraction the officers took the opportunity to wedge the door ajar and placed a fire hose in.
The man ignited himself and PS Keates called for the fire service to turn on the hose and the porch was doused in water. PS Keates battened the panes of glass to ensure air could escape. The man threw petrol at the officers’ faces and reignited himself. The two officers flew backwards, their faces burning in the heat.
Despite the danger and threat of serious injury, the officers tried to restrain the man and a violent tousle ensued. PS Jacques ran round to the back of the building and came in through the front door. The man was eventually restrained and cuffed.
The officers showed incredible determination in preventing the man from harming himself and other members of the public.
Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales said;
“This is a truly remarkable story and one which highlights the officers steely determination in the face of extreme danger. Their actions are testament to the incredible strength officers’ show in the face of adversity. They are very deserving winners indeed.”
Editor of The Sun Newspaper Rebekah Wade said:
“The Sun is tremendously proud of our association with the Police Bravery Awards and it is an honour for us to be sponsor this event for the 14th year. All the officers recognised at this evening’s ceremony have displayed exceptional bravery and the incredible devotion to duty shown by Sergeant Jacques and Sergeant Keates makes them very worthy winners. With little concern for their own safety they demonstrated the commitment of so many of Britain’s police officers today.”
NOTE TO EDITORS
For further details please contact Andy Gilbert, Chairman, West Midlands Police Federation on 07746 876126. No approach should be made before 10 pm.
Photographs of the nominees with the Prime Minister and as they receive their award will be available at 9.00 am on Friday 17th July from The Sun picture desk. Please call Robert Waker on 020 7782 4199.
For video footage contact Tim Duffy on 07970 590861 or timduffy4@gmail.com.
For further information about the event contact: Rachel Barnet or Melanie Davies at the Police Federation on 0137 235 2071 or Lorna Carmichael at The Sun Newspaper on 07836 340423.
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