Police Bravery Awards 2009 - Region 7: Gwent officers scoop regional bravery award
16 July 2009
Three heroic officers from Gwent have tonight received the Welsh regional award at the 14th annual Police Bravery Awards in London, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and The Sun Newspaper.
The officers received the award at a glittering award ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where they, and 57 other nominees, met the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
The three officers; PC Scott Thomas, PC Simon Rohman and PS Mike Pheasant
responded to a 999 call that people were trapped in a blazing block of flats.
On arrival at the scene, it was clear the situation was deteriorating fast. Twenty residents, many of whom were trapped were leaning out of the windows and desperately crying for help.
The officers entered the building, forcing open locked doors and windows and speedily leading residents to safety through the smoke filled corridors, including a semi unconscious, heavily pregnant woman and her children.
With little regard for their own safety, the officers rescued all twenty residents and prevented further damage to the building and the incident scene by their quick thinking actions, bravery and teamwork.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation which organises the Police Bravery Awards, said:
“These officers acted heroically, risking their lives to save members of the public. Their actions epitomise the commitment to duty given no matter what the emergency and demonstrates the compassion police officers feel for the safety and protection of life and property. We hope this award goes some way towards recognising their heroic actions.”
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 these officers 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 Jeff Mapps, Chairman, Gwent Police Federation on 07812 100782. 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. For a full list of winners, visit http://www.polfed.org/
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