Stabbed PC wins bravest officer award
An officer from Hampshire Constabulary walked off with the top award at the 17th annual Police Bravery Awards.
An officer from Hampshire Constabulary walked off with the top award at the 17th annual Police Bravery Awards.
The winning officer, PC Alexander Stypulkowski, was given the award for his courage when apprehending an armed man, who previously had taken his own mother hostage and later was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Having chased the man into a dark alley and become separated from his colleagues, PC Stypulkowski was then threatened by the man with a screwdriver. As he tried to subdue him the officer was stabbed twice in the head and neck, narrowly avoiding fatal injury.
I didnt expect to be the overall winner, said PC Stypulkowski. I thought all of the nominees were fantastic, I was in awe of their actions. Im honoured and delighted to be successful.
John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, paid tribute to PC Stypulkowski.
When we nominated Alex we knew the significance of his actions, he said. Were all immensely proud of him and delighted that his bravery has been recognised at such a high level.
Myself and Alex Marshall [chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary] were like two very proud parents watching their youngest get an A* from the head master we were overcome with emotion.
It was a really special evening, all of the officers there were fantastic examples.
The ceremony was held at Plaisterers` Hall, central London, and organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales in partnership with Police Mutual. Eight regional winners were recognised at the ceremony attended by Home Secretary Theresa May, which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, paid tribute to the officers recognised at the ceremony.
Each and every one of tonights winners is an inspiration to us all, he said. Their integrity and selfless dedication to duty epitomises the unique role of the office of constable.
It is with great pride that we celebrate these amazing officers. Thank you to all of you and well done. You are a true credit to the service.
Police Mutual chief executive Stephen Mann said: Im honoured and proud to be able to support such an important event that recognises the outstanding bravery of police officers who put themselves in danger every day, in order to save and protect the lives of others.
While this may just be part of their job to them, the modesty and fearless action of these men and women are extremely humbling and I hope that being nominated goes some small way in showing our gratitude and appreciation of what they do. All of tonights nominees should be extremely proud of their remarkable courage and outstanding actions.
List of winners from the Police Bravery Awards 2012:
Overall Winner and South East Region: PC Alex Stypulkowski, Hampshire Constabulary.
North West Region: Inspector Dennis Kemp, Cumbria Constabulary, for tackling an armed robber.
North East Region: PC Aaron Horsfall, West Yorkshire Police, who saved three men from a burning house.
Midlands Region: PC Dave Williams, Sgt Andy Jackson, Sgt Darren Heyes, Sgt Stuart Wells, West Mercia Police, who rescued a couple from a vicious blaze after a traffic collision.
East Region: Sgt Ashley Waterhouse and PC Adam James Hovells, Norfolk Constabulary, who jumped into icy water to save a suicidal man.
South West Region: PC Grant Goulden, Avon & Somerset Police, for rescuing a man from a freezing dock.
Wales Region: DC Andrew OFlanagan, South Wales Police, who intercepted an armed robbery.
London Region: PC Alan OConnor and DC Charmain Brenyah, Metropolitan Police Service, who tackled a dangerous gang unarmed.
Victim Support Award: DCI Denise Morrisey, Essex Police, for her outstanding contribution to supporting victims and witnesses.