A SOUTH Yorkshire Police officer who confronted and arrested an armed offender\u00a0who was beating a man\u00a0with a baseball bat has won a Regional Police Bravery Award.<\/p>\n
Sgt Chris Foster tackled the man \u2013 who also had a gun – while on duty alone. He received the award from Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Sgt Foster is pictured (centre) with deputy chief constable Andy Holt (left) and Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, Sgt Foster \u2013 and his wife Rachel \u2013 joined 65 colleagues from 31 forces round the country for a reception at 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron as a mark of recognition for their heroic acts.<\/p>\n
In the middle of a snowstorm in the early hours of 21 January 2014, Sgt Christopher Foster was alone on patrol in Barnsley when he saw a man repeatedly hitting with the stick another man who was curled up on the floor in a ball.<\/p>\n
As he approached the offender, the man pointed what looked like a firearm into the officer\u2019s face, threatening to shoot him.<\/p>\n
Sgt Foster sprayed PAVA into the man\u2019s face but to no effect and the offender then came for him, attempting to hit him with his weapon. Sgt Foster, who was a PC at the time, sprayed PAVA at him again allowing the officer to take hold and restrain him until back up arrived.<\/p>\n
Sgt Foster, described the incident in the snow in January this year as \u201ca bit surreal\u201d. He added: \u201cThe training took over. just thought I had better do something and tried to get hold of him. Instinct kicked in. It\u2019s taking a step forward rather than taking a step back.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are doing this day in and day out.\u00a0 To be singled out makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.\u00a0 So I would like to accept this award for the benefit of all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
His wife Rachel said: \u201cI am amazingly proud. It is something that spouses in the police force are aware of and it is something that happens – they get in dangerous situations and you just hope for the best outcome. But to be nominated and to end up down here in London is a great experience and I am very, very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bowles said: \u201cI’m absolutely amazed at what Chris did that night. Chris all the other nominees here today – it is the tip of the iceberg of what officers everywhere do every day of the week for the public. It is a great honour for Chris and everybody else.\u201d<\/p>\n
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