Police officers and members of the public who performed heroic lifesaving acts were honoured at the latest Chief Constable’s Awards Ceremony held at Kent Police College on Tuesday, 29 April 2025.
The prestigious event recognised individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty, with several recipients also awarded certificates by the Royal Humane Society for their exceptional bravery.
Key Award Winners:
- PC Grant Strong and Alison Martin-Smith were commended after giving critical first aid to a man who suffered a cardiac arrest on a bus in Gillingham in November 2024. Their quick actions helped revive the man before ambulance staff took over.
- Sergeant Robert Barrett and five other officers were praised for saving a man’s life after a self-inflicted injury at a property in Maidstone in August 2024. PS Barrett provided vital first aid and emotional support until the man was airlifted to hospital.
- Sergeant Martin Sharp, while off-duty, performed CPR and used a defibrillator on a man who collapsed while playing tennis in Gillingham. His decisive actions saved the man’s life after he suffered a heart attack.
Lifesaving Heroes Honoured At Kent Chief Constable’s Awards Ceremony Lifesaving Heroes Honoured At Kent Chief Constable’s Awards Ceremony
- PC Harriet Lewis, in her first deployment as a Family Liaison Officer (FLO), demonstrated compassion and professionalism while supporting the parents of a missing child in Medway. Her dedicated work helped reunite the family with their child safely.
- Shannon O’Donnell, a member of the public, performed CPR on her uncle after he collapsed at her home in Chatham. She was assisted by Special Constable Laura Meeks from the Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service Joint Response Unit, both playing crucial roles in saving his life.
Chief Constable’s Statement
Chief Constable Tim Smith praised the awardees, saying:
Every day Kent Police officers perform acts of heroism and bravery to keep people safe, and I could not be more proud.
They can always be relied upon to help people in their time of need, and there are many families across the county whose loved ones would not be with us today were it not for their lifesaving actions.”
He also thanked the courageous members of the public who stepped forward in critical moments.
Summary
This year’s ceremony highlights the selfless commitment of Kent’s police officers and the public to protect, serve, and save lives — often in high-pressure, life-or-death situations. Their actions are a testament to the strength and spirit of the Kent community.
