ACCOLADES
THE KING RECOGNISES OUR BRAVE
Five extraordinary police officers have received The King’s Commendation for Bravery as part of this year’s Gallantry Awards for their heroism
SERGEANT TIMOTHY ANSELL Sergeant Timothy Ansell is recognised for his extraordinary bravery during an armed attack in Manchester on 26 July 2023. While out with a colleague, the pair were suddenly assaulted from behind by a man armed with a knife, leaving his colleague with serious injuries to his neck and arms. Instantly assessing the danger, Sergeant Ansell placed himself between his injured colleague and the attacker, shielding him from further harm. This redirected the attacker’s aggression
towards Sergeant Ansell, who was stabbed repeatedly. Despite the life-threatening danger, he fought through the assault, taking hold of the man’s upper body to prevent him from harming others. Even after being knocked to the ground, he continued to hold the attacker’s focus long enough for other officers to deploy a Taser. A second Taser discharge subdued the assailant, enabling officers to handcuff him. Sergeant Ansell’s courageous actions, taken at immense personal risk, protected both his colleague and the public.
SPECIAL CONSTABLE GREGORY BEAUMONT Special Constable Gregory Beaumont is honoured for rescuing a woman from the River Thames on 17 June 2023. Walking along the South Bank with his partner, he noticed a woman in the water and initially believed she was part of a film shoot nearby. After approaching the crew, he learned they had no involvement with her. Hearing her struggling and seeing her being pulled by the strong tidal current in fading light, he recognised she was in immediate danger.
Drawing on his police and military training, SC Beaumont swiftly initiated a rescue. He instructed his partner to call emergency services, gathered flotation aids, coordinated members of the public
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and then entered the cold, fast-moving water himself. Fighting the current, he reached the woman, pulled her to safety and provided his warm clothing to stabilise her condition. He administered first aid until the London Ambulance Service arrived. His brave and decisive intervention directly saved her life.
PC RHONA ADAMS Police Constable Rhona Adams, of West Yorkshire Police, displayed exceptional bravery on 10 June 2024
when responding alone to a high-risk missing person report at a busy family restaurant in Bradford. After searching the venue, she found the woman in the disabled toilets, having doused herself in oil and threatening to end her life. On entering, PC Adams was confronted with a terrifying scene: the woman had set herself alight and was engulfed in flames. Acting instantly, PC Adams grabbed hold of her and tried to smother the flames while directing staff to bring a fire extinguisher, which she used to put out the fire. She then administered first aid and worked to calm the woman until paramedics arrived. Thanks to her swift and courageous actions, the woman survived with only first and second-degree burns. PC Adams’ bravery and composure undoubtedly prevented a fatality.
PC MARK SUTTON
AND PC THOMAS DRANSFIELD Police Constables Mark Sutton and Thomas Dransfield, also from West Yorkshire Police, are recognised for their life-saving actions on 22 November 2023. Responding to a report of a man hanging by a rope beneath a canal bridge, they found him partially suspended between two large pipes and in imminent danger of falling into the water below. With no safety equipment available, PC Sutton climbed over the bridge railings to
reach him, with PC Dransfield following to provide support. Together they managed to hold the man’s weight to stop him slipping further. When the man became limp and unresponsive, the risk to all three increased significantly, but the officers continued to support him until fire crews arrived with safety ropes. After a prolonged effort, all were safely secured and pulled to safety. Their courage and determination were vital in saving the man’s life.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “This is what true courage looks like. In moments of unimaginable danger, these extraordinary people acted with selflessness and bravery that speaks to the very best of who we are as a nation.”
Police Federation of England and Wales National Chair Tiff Lynch said: “Police officers across England and Wales step forward each day with unwavering dedication, never knowing what challenges they may face. “The recipients of the King’s Commendation for Bravery are powerful reminders of the extraordinary risks officers take to keep our communities safe. Whether confronting violent attackers, rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations, or making split-second decisions under immense pressure, these officers have demonstrated exceptional bravery, resilience and selflessness. “On behalf of the Police
Federation of England and Wales, I am immensely proud of their actions and grateful for their service. They represent the very best of policing, and they deserve our highest recognition and respect.”
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