PC honoured for bravery during Keyham shootings

Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, right, called former PC Printer's actions courageous and selfless

A former police officer who confronted the gunman during the shootings in Keyham, Plymouth, has been awarded The King's Gallantry Medal.

Zach Printer was one of first officers to respond to the incident in which five people were killed and although unarmed he confronted the gunman to help protect members of the public.

The 64-year-old said he was immensely proud to be awarded the honour and he paid tribute to the victims of the shootings.

The King's Gallantry Medal is awarded to civilians for acts of exemplary bravery.

On 12 August, 2021, a man shot and killed five people and injured two more in a series of shootings in Keyham.

Mr Printer, a former Royal Marine and firearms officer who lives in Plymouth, was on duty with PC Graham Temple when they were waved down by members of the public.

They were helping a victim who was seriously injured when the then PC Printer saw the gunman walk out into the street with a shotgun.

PC Printer ran towards him as the man shot himself.

He returned to the injured woman, continued with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and helped a doctor conducting surgery in the street, before accompanying her and her husband to hospital.

PC Zach Printer was one of first officers to respond to the shooting

On hearing that he had been awarded the medal, Mr Printer said: "I’m immensely proud.

"I felt absolutely elated when I received the news but in the same vein I was very conscious there are other first-responders who were there with me at the time."

He retired as a police officer two years ago after nearly 18 years with the force and now works as an inquiry officer at Crownhill police station.

"I would like to wish all of the families and those affected by the events of that day well," Mr Printer added.

Jake Davison, 22, killed his mother Maxine, 51; three-year-old Sophie Martyn; her father, Lee, 43; Kate Shepherd, 66; and Stephen Washington, 59, before turning his legally-held pump-action shotgun on himself.

'Courageous and selfless'

Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: “The courageous and selfless actions of first-responders like Zach Printer amid the most horrendous of circumstances on 12 August 2021 show the very best of policing, but also the very best of human-kind.

"We are very proud that Zach is to be awarded The King's Gallantry Medal for his actions.

"I am truly humbled to be able to consider Zach – and all those who responded to the unfolding tragedy that day - as colleagues."

Mr Printer said he was looking forward to receiving the medal – at a time and place to be decided – with his wife and three grown-up sons.

He previously received a commendation from the former senior coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon, Ian Arrow, for his actions that day, as well as a chief constable’s commendation.

Mr Printer has also been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award in July.