30TH POLICE BRAVERY AWARDS
“This is a form of bravery that is essential to emergency responses and can be overlooked and undervalued in policing. It felt particularly poignant therefore to establish a new category in the 30th year of these awards to recognise this bravery which has been labelled ‘The Heart of Policing’.”
“The protection and preservation of
life are a fundamental part of being a police officer. Tom has exemplified this and is a credit to the profession.” Chief Constable Tim Smith said:
“Police officers are often required to help people during their darkest days, showing empathy and kindness to help them see a way forward. “PC Tom Vinall put a vulnerable
instructions of what he wanted her to do. Once he had joined the female on the ledge, he continued with clear and calm engagement, telling her at each stage what he was doing.
Throughout this entire interaction, PC Vinall maintained a rapport with the female who was visibly upset and in crisis, speaking about his own family to try and help put the female at ease. After some time, PC Vinall was able
to then remove the female from the ledge and supported her outside of the building where she was able to be
transferred to the appropriate medical and mental health support. Upon collecting the award, PC Vinall
said: “I wanted to save her because I know life is so much better than death. I am feeling absolutely awesome receiving the very first award.” Kent Police Federation Chair, Neil Mennie said: “This shows why policing is about far more than just catching criminals. Tom has demonstrated the importance of care and empathy when dealing with vulnerable people in distressing situations.
woman’s safety ahead of his own when he entered a derelict and hazardous building to prevent her coming to harm, and by doing so he demonstrated the finest qualities of a police officer. “I and the rest of the force are very proud of him for his lifesaving actions, as we are of every Kent Police officer who provides such a fantastic service to the people of the county.” The award was the brainchild of
Bravery Awards judge and Chair of the Independent Scrutiny Oversight Board, Abimbola Johnson, who said: “This is a form of bravery that is essential to emergency responses and can be overlooked and undervalued in policing. It felt particularly poignant therefore to establish a new category in the 30th year of these awards to recognise this bravery which has been labelled ‘The Heart of Policing’.”
31 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2024
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