Three North Yorkshire police officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2024 in recognition of their exceptional courage and professionalism during a harrowing incident involving extreme violence.
On the early hours of August 24, 2022, PCs Dave Burgess, Joanne Ollerenshaw, and Sam Walsh responded to a distressing call reporting a man wielding a knife and experiencing a mental health crisis at an address in Crosshills.
Upon arrival, the officers were met with a scene of chaos as they encountered an aggressively violent man emerging from a basement window, brandishing a metal grate. The individual was reportedly suffering from Acute Behavioural Disturbance, presenting a significant threat to both himself and others.
Despite their best efforts to de-escalate the situation and coax the man into compliance, he remained combative, escalating the danger by wielding the metal grate. The officers resorted to using two tasers in an attempt to subdue him, but to no avail.
In a terrifying turn of events, the man launched a frenzied assault on the officers, unleashing a sustained barrage of physical violence and aggression. PC Burgess and PC Walsh found themselves grappling with a much larger and stronger assailant, struggling to defend themselves while attempting to restrain him.
The situation reached a critical point until backup arrived from West Yorkshire Police, enabling the officers to safely subdue the violent individual and facilitate his much-needed medical attention.
Rob Bowles, Chair of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, praised the officers for their unwavering professionalism and bravery in the face of extreme danger. He commended their selfless and heroic actions, emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding both the public and ambulance staff from harm.
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber echoed Bowles’ sentiments, lauding the officers for their exemplary conduct in bringing the volatile situation to a safe resolution. He highlighted their remarkable bravery and selflessness, underscoring their embodiment of the finest traditions of the police service.
The nomination of PCs Burgess, Ollerenshaw, and Walsh for the Police Bravery Awards 2024 serves as a testament to their remarkable courage and unwavering commitment to protecting their community in the face of adversity.
