Police Bravery Awards 2009 - Region 8: Metropolitan officer’s scoop the national and regional bravery awards
16 July 2009
Four heroic officers from the Met police have tonight received the National Police Bravery award and scooped the regional London 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 56 other nominees, met the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
The four officers; PS Stephen Hayter, PC Barry Leban, PC Richard Cousins
And PC Michael Carroll were on routine patrol when they spotted two males who reacted suspiciously on sight of the officers and it was decided to carry out a stop and search. Two of the officers got out of the vehicle and made towards the men.
On seeing the officers the two males got extremely agitated, pulled on balaclavas and one of them produced a black revolver from his waistband and fired at the officers and their vehicle.
PC Carroll started to pursue the man onto the local estate and further shots were fired. PC Cousins meanwhile managed to detain one of the men after a vicious struggle. At this time another routine patrol car went past unaware of the events unfolding and stopped to aide PC Cousins. PC Leban got out of the vehicle and was himself then shot at and another pursuit ensued.
The male was eventually arrested and found to have a Smith and Wesson in his possession with three spent cartridges. This was an emotionally charged situation where teamwork and courage prevented loss of life or harm to members of the public.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation which organises the Police Bravery Awards, said:
“These officers are an inspiration to us all. They risked life and limb to prevent extremely violent thugs causing harm to the public. Their bravery and teamwork meant that both men were convicted for their crimes. We hope the two awards go some way in recognising the tremendous achievement these officers have made ”
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 Peter Smyth, Chairman, Metropolitan Police Federation on 07967 354831. 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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