Bravery awards showcase the very best of policing, says West Midlands nominee

7 May 2025

Sergeant Paul Williams says he is looking forward to hearing stories of incredible courage from officers across the country at the national Police Bravery Awards.

Paul will represent West Midlands Police Federation after saving the life of a woman who was being savagely attacked in the street by two out-of-control dogs.

His courage was recognised when he was presented with the PC David Green Shield as the overall winner at the West Midlands Police Bravery Awards.

Now he is set to join colleagues from across England and Wales for this year’s Police Bravery Awards in London this July, as the nominee for West Midlands Police.

Sergeant Paul Williams.

Paul said the awards are a chance to celebrate policing and police bravery.

“We see examples of bravery all the time, and that’s happening right across the country every day,” said Paul, who is looking forward to sharing the occasion with his wife, Jemma.

“To be able to go to London and spend an evening with people who have done amazing things and are being recognised for that, to have the feel-good factor in the room, is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Paul added: “It’s easy to make a story out of something negative or a mistake that’s been made.

Brave

“The fact that officers are doing brave things every single day, it’s often seen as just being part of the job.

“I know, as a supervisor, that officers go above and beyond the call of duty every day.

“To be able to go to the Bravery Awards and share the evening with people who have done amazing things and hear their stories will be great.”

The PC David Green Shield, awarded to Paul by West Midlands Police Federation is named in honour of 20-year-old officer PC David Green.

PC Green was stabbed to death by a mob in Birmingham city centre. In David’s 15-month career, he was commended three times for his bravery.

Paul received the shield after rescuing a woman from a mauling by two German shepherd-type dogs in Yardley, Birmingham, in the early hours of 23 May last year.

Serious injuries

He was single-crewed when he arrived at the scene to find the woman being mauled by two German shepherd-type dogs. She already had serious injuries and was close to dying.

Paul got out of his car and attempted to use his Taser to subdue one of the dogs, but was unsuccessful.

The dogs charged at him, forcing him back into his car, before the animals returned to continue their attack on the woman.

Paul got out again and this time his Taser brought down one of the dogs. The other latched onto his arm, but he managed to shake it off and get back into his vehicle.

Last year's West Midlands Police Federation national Bravery Awards
nominee, PC Glenn Brabham.

Colleagues arrived in support and took the victim to hospital, while both dogs were captured.

The woman was in intensive care for four weeks, while Paul described his injuries as superficial, which required dressing and injections.

Paul said: “I’m still shocked that I won the West Midlands award, because there were so many outstanding examples of bravery.

“I’m really looking forward to going down to London and representing our Force.”

Attacks

Jess Davies, West Midlands Police Federation acting chair, said: “We are all very aware of the threat posed by savage dogs and all too often have to deal with the tragic consequences of their attacks.

“But despite this and the very real fear of being mauled himself, Paul showed incredible bravery and quick thinking to tackle two out-of-control animals.

“In true policing style, he put his own safety on the line to protect the public.

“There is no doubt in my mind that his actions saved the woman’s life, and who knows what else would have happened if those dogs were able to continue prowling the streets?

“Paul did a fantastic job in very frightening circumstances, and his actions make him very deserving of his nomination.”