Joint winners announced at National Police Bravery Awards

TWO West Midlands Police constables and a Metropolitan Police constable have been named as joint overall winners at this year’s National Police Bravery Awards.

PCs Adam Koch and Jean Stevens, who disarmed a mentally ill man who had stabbed three worshippers at a Birmingham mosque, were declared joint winners along with PC Winston Mugarura, from the Met Police, who confronted a group of ten during vicious attack on man in Charing Cross, London.

It was the first time in the event’s 20 year history that there had been joint winners. Pictured are all the nominees at Downing Street.

The trio were presented with the overall winner award by Home Secretary Theresa May at a ceremony in central London attended by senior figures from government and chief constables from around the country.

PC Koch said: “I am absolutely stunned – I didn’t expect that given all the other fantastic nominees in this room.”

PC Stevens said: “I am really shocked and surprised that we won because this room is full of some of the most wonderful colleagues.”

PC Mugarura said: “I am amazed because all of the officers here are so deserving in their own right.  They all do a good job and everyone is a winner.”

The officers were among 64 nominees from 38 forces singled out for valiant acts of bravery.

All were invited to Downing Street for a reception with Prime Minister David Cameron, who passed on his personal congratulations and thanks.

Steve White, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said:  “This year’s winners of the Police Bravery Awards show the outstanding commitment and courage the police officers involved showed in putting the lives of others before their own.

“Their incredible acts of selflessness and instinctiveness to run towards danger, is a reminder to us all of the challenges police officers face every day in their line of work, and we herald them for their immense bravery and resolve.”

Home Secretary Theresa May said:  “We must never forget the incredible risks and dangerous situations that police officers and staff face, every day, so that we – the general public – don’t have to.

“This year’s nominees acted decisively and heroically to save others from harm, in situations that most of us can only begin to imagine, and which put their own safety in jeopardy.

“Their actions stand as examples to us all, and to all in policing. It is only right that their tremendous valour is honoured in this way.”

The awards were sponsored by Police Mutual.