Courageous Officer Nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards

21 May 2025

A Wiltshire officer has been nominated for the National Bravery Awards 2025 for her heroic actions in two separate incidents.

Incident 1: Officer jumps into a deep canal to try and save an individual who wasn’t moving

On the morning of 21 May 2024, Wiltshire PC Nicola Crabbe of the Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team responded to a 999 call reporting a person floating near a bridge along the Kennet & Avon canal. PC Crabbe and her PCSO colleague quickly arrived at the scene to find a person face down in the water, about 15 feet from the canal bank.

Without hesitation, PC Crabbe removed her operational kit and jumped into the canal. She swam to the person, who appeared to be wearing a cycling helmet, and dragged them back to the bank with the help of her PCSO colleague. PC Crabbe then commenced CPR for around 10 minutes until additional officers arrived with a defibrillator, which helped restore a small pulse.

The individual, a female, was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and her family was contacted. Despite the best efforts of hospital staff, the female passed away later that day. It was determined she had suffered a medical episode while cycling along the canal path and had been in the water for approximately 20 minutes before help arrived.

PC Crabbe's quick thinking and brave actions gave the female a chance at survival and allowed her family to say their goodbyes.

Incident 2: Officer intervenes in a serious knife attack

On Saturday 29 June 2024, Wiltshire Police received multiple calls about a male chasing another male along a main road into Devizes town. The pursued male was bleeding badly from his head and back. PC Crabbe and her PCSO colleague were dispatched and were the first to arrive at the scene, where they found two men fighting in the street.

Without concern for her safety, PC Crabbe separated the two males and noticed that one of them was armed with a knife. A struggle ensued, during which PC Crabbe was assaulted by the suspect, who was chanting and claiming to act "in the name of God”. Despite being grabbed and pulled by her hair, PC Crabbe maintained control of the suspect.

With assistance from her PCSO colleague and a member of the public, they managed to detain the suspect against a building. The suspect continued to struggle until backup arrived, and he was eventually tasered and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The victim, who had been stabbed, was airlifted to the hospital and made a full recovery.

PC Crabbe's quick thinking and bravery ensured the safety of the public and the victim, preventing further harm. Her actions demonstrated immense courage in a dangerous situation.

Wiltshire Police Federation Chair, Phil Matthews-Dawson said, “The Bravery awards are such an amazing opportunity to show the bravery and resilience of our officers.

“We are in some of the hardest times in policing with more being asked of officers than ever has been, so to be in a position to nominate our very own Pc Crabbe for not one, but two selfless acts of bravery make us so very proud and reminds us all of why we do what we do.

“What Pc Crabbe did were acts that were selfless and heroic and she is so well deserving of this nomination. I am so very excited for her to be recognised and her brave actions to be celebrated.”

Chief Constable Catherine: "I am incredibly proud to endorse PC Nicola Crabbe, who has been nominated at the national level for her exceptional bravery and dedication to public service.

“In two distinct and life-threatening incidents, PC Crabbe’s actions exemplified the true spirit of policing. Whether diving into a deep canal to rescue a person in distress or intervening in a dangerous knife attack to protect the public, she acted with remarkable courage and professionalism. These incidents reflect not only her personal bravery but also her unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of others.

“PC Crabbe’s quick thinking, combined with the support of her colleagues and members of the public, undoubtedly saved lives. Her courage is a true reflection of the highest standards we aspire to in Wiltshire Police.

“I wholeheartedly commend PC Crabbe for her bravery, I thank her for her passionate commitment to the communities of Wiltshire”