Heroes of North Yorkshire: Trio of Cops Nominated for National Bravery Awards
Three North Yorkshire police officers have been nominated for the prestigious National Police Bravery Awards 2024. Their heroic actions during a violent showdown have earned them national recognition for courage and professionalism.
Knife-Wielding Man Sparks Chaos in Crosshills
In the early hours of August 24, 2022, PCs Dave Burgess, Joanne Ollerenshaw, and Sam Walsh rushed to a call about a man in mental health crisis brandishing a knife at a Crosshills address. On arrival, they faced pure chaos as the man, suffering from Acute Behavioural Disturbance, emerged violently from a basement window armed with a metal grate.
Brutal Assault Meets Unbreakable Police Resolve
Despite attempts to calm the man, he attacked ferociously. The officers used two tasers but failed to subdue him. PC Burgess and PC Walsh fought back, grappling against a much larger and stronger assailant amid a relentless assault. Backup from West Yorkshire Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">West Yorkshire Police eventually arrived, allowing the team to safely restrain the man and get him critical medical help.
Top Brass Praise Extraordinary Bravery
Rob Bowles, Chair of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, hailed the officers’ bravery and professionalism under extreme threat. “Their selfless acts protected the public and ambulance staff,” he said.
North Yorkshire Chief Constable Tim Forber echoed the praise: “Their remarkable courage and dedication represent the finest traditions of policing.”
The bravery of PCs Burgess, Ollerenshaw, and Walsh stands as a shining example of commitment to community safety in the face of danger.
