THE 2023 BRAVERY AWARDS
REGION 8
PC Andrew Cushing PFEW National Chair Steve Hartshorn, PC Andrew Cushing & Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley QPM
The officer was looking down the barrel of a gun as he seized a split-second opportunity to apprehend the suspect
On 4 February 2022, during a routine patrol of the outer circle of Regent’s Park, PC Andrew Cushing’s attention, and that of his partner PC Mark Palin, was drawn to a vehicle driving erratically in the opposite direction. They turned their motorcycles and attempted to stop the vehicle which then took off at speed. After a short pursuit, they lost the vehicle and the two officers split up to search the side streets.
PC Cushing discovered the vehicle
and gave chase once again, but soon terminated his pursuit when it drove on the wrong side of the road, becoming a significant threat to the public. Minutes later the vehicle was again discovered, crashed with its airbags deployed. As the suspect exited the vehicle, he attempted to run away. PC Cushing tried to stop the suspect,
20 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2023
challenging him with his Taser while deploying both cartridges. With no effect from the Taser, a struggle ensued during which the suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it straight at PC Cushing’s face.
“This was a very scary incident that
escalated quickly, and Andy used all his training to remain calm and in control.”
Still without his partner, PC Cushing
was faced with an armed suspect and no cartridges in his Taser. He was alone and had to think quickly.
So, when the suspect slightly lowered the firearm, PC Cushing took the chance to strike him and disarm him. PC Cushing eventually overpowered him and got the suspect to the floor, at which point PC Palin arrived on scene
and helped with the arrest. It was only once officers from teams of Specialist Firearms Command arrived on scene was it established that the suspect had been armed with an imitation firearm. After receiving the award, PC Andrew Cushing said: “It is a proud moment. It isn’t something any of us particularly want. We do our jobs and to get an award for it is a special thing, it’s my last year in the career
before I retire so this is really special.” Chair of Metropolitan Police
Federation, Ken Marsh, said: “This was a very scary incident that escalated quickly, and Andy used all his training to remain calm and in control. It could have ended very differently.
“I commend Andy for his incredible,
courageous actions – he is a very worthy regional winner.”
WINNER METROPOLITAN POLICE
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