Police Bravery Awards 2008 - Overall winner - West Mercia officers Mathew Crisp and Richard Gray
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Winners announced at Police Bravery Awards
Two West Mercia officers Mathew Crisp and Richard Gray (fallen officer) were voted the bravest officers in England and Wales at the 13th annual Police Bravery Awards held at The Dorchester in London.
The courageous actions of the officers were commended earlier tonight (10 July) at a glittering awards ceremony at The Dorchester attended by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and a host of celebrities.
The gala evening to honour officers who risk their lives and often sadly pay the ultimate price in performing their duties, was organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and sponsored by The Sun.
Sixty four of the most courageous policemen and women, from forces throughout England and Wales, attended the Police Bravery Awards, established 13 years ago to acknowledge the unsung heroes of the police service.
The awards ceremony followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where officers were greeted by and photographed with the Prime Minister.
Winners from each of the eight regions were also selected.
Merseyside’s PC Philip Quirk who saved the life of his colleague during a frenzied knife attack clinched the award for the North West region.
PC Mark Thompson from Humberside was crowned the winner from the North East after he dragged a father and son from a burning building.
As mentioned above Constables Matthew Crisp and Richard Gray (fallen officer) won the award for the Midlands after saving the lives of two colleagues and protecting the public from an armed man.
Nottinghamshire officer Mick Booth clinched the Eastern title after risking his life to rescue an offender from a burning car.
PC Paul Davies from Thames Valley received the award for the South East for his persistence and professionalism throughout a violent arrest.
Wiltshire PC’s Sam Withey, Stephen Porter and David Thompson from the South West region were awarded for risking their lives to prevent a man from plunging to his death.
The Welsh title went to PC Keith Seagrim from Gwent after he spent two hours submerged in ice cold water to save the life of a drowning woman.
Metropolitan Detective Constables Tony Fitzpatrick and Neil Fearn won the London award for pursuing a dangerous armed man despite being unarmed and being repeatedly shot at.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR:
To arrange interviews with any of the winners or obtain further information, please call:
South West
Cath Hollands (Wiltshire Federation) 07779 332241
South East
Maurice Collins (Thames Valley Federation) 07970 145728
London
Peter Smyth (Metropolitan Federation) 07967 354831
Midlands
Andy White (West Mercia Federation) 07977 541473
Eastern
Mick Taylor (Nottinghamshire Federation) 07973 560544
North East
Stephen Garmston (Humberside Federation) 07970 001216
North West
Kathryn Kane (Merseyside Federation) 07813 711932
Wales
Jeff Mapps (Gwent Federation) 07812 100782
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