Police officers recognised in bravery awards

From championing women's rights to fighting armed intruders, an award ceremony has recognised the brave police officers across a region.

The Thames Valley Police (TVP) Federation Bravery Awards shone a light on the heroes in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire at a special ceremony on Thursday evening.

Retired Ch Supt Emma Garside is one of those who was recognised, winning the Women In Policing Award after she spent more than 30 years in the force.

She said it was an "honour" to be recognised for her work but thanked her colleagues for their support over the years, adding that "policing is a team game".

Garside joined the police after going to a careers fair whilst at Reading University as a student in 1996.

She led programmes on recognising domestic abuse and giving support to those affected.

In 2021 she led the first all-female command for West Oxfordshire and Cherwell.

"In some ways it's sad that this should be seen as unusual," she reflected.

Adding that she was pleased that more and more women are now choosing policing as a career.

"I've brought up my two children and juggled a career and family life and it absolutely is possible," Garside said.

An officer who risked his life to protect his family from intruders has also been recognised at the award ceremony, alongside his son.

On the night of 15 May 2024, while off duty and asleep at home with his family, TVP dog handler PC Andy Kemp was alerted by neighbours to masked intruders in his garden.

He recalled: "I had a phone call from one of my neighbours saying that there was a group of people outside with torches, looking into my work van. So I came downstairs and heard someone going over my back gate into my garden.

"Three men were trying to jimmy my garage door, so I burst out there to stop them. They ran, and I chased after them and got hold of one of them."

The officer was stabbed multiple times in his hand, arms and cheek but was able to get his police dog, Astle, from its kennel and it managed to take down one of the men.

Since then two assailants were arrested but only one was charged.

Kemp's son Rhys, who was 15 at the time, ran out to help and got the dog back in the kennel.

Kemp and Rhys attended the award ceremony and now retired police dog Astle, who lives with the family, received some doggy treats for his efforts.

"I'm not one for fuss, but I'm very proud. I'm also so proud of my son and my dog," said Kemp.

PC Ross Maclean and six of his colleagues have been recognised after they rushed first into danger at Chiveley Services on the M4 a few days before Christmas in 2023.

A man with a knife was threatening people and he was also ramming into vehicles with his Range Rover, while families with young children were in them.

Armed with just their police batons, tasers and their vehicles they were able to stop the culprit and arrest him.

"In very high adrenaline you just have to work with what you've got," Maclean said.

He remembered on reflection thinking that if they did not act quickly enough "someone could die".

Reacting to his award, he said he was proud but made clear that he did not enter the police to win awards.

He added: "I am extremely proud of my colleagues, who all showed incredible bravery in the face of danger.

"This particular incident will be one I remember for the rest of my life, and knowing I played a part in keeping the public safe is something I am very proud of."