Three honoured at Police Bravery Awards

Gaynor Walters marched an armed robber out of her Post Office branch in May 2024

Three people from the West Midlands have been honoured at the Police Public Bravery Awards.

Gaynor Walters was the first to receive a gold medal after marching an armed robber out of her Post Office branch in Wolverhampton on 31 May 2024.

The 51-year-old was on shift at her branch on Griffiths Drive when a large man entered, with his face covered, and attempted to get in the back of the counter area while pulling out a 12-inch chef's knife.

The awards honour members of the public who place themselves in dangerous situations to protect others, defend communities, prevent crime or actively assist police.

Liam Stych, 29, was the second to win a gold medal at Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield on Thursday after he smashed a car window to save a mum and her three-year-old child before their vehicle washed away in floods caused by Storm Henk in Birmingham on 2 January 2024.

The third winner was Christopher Cassin, 67, who recorded evidence in a gunpoint robbery and tackled the perpetrator to stop him evading capture at Witton Lakes Park, Erdington on 10 August 2024.

Christopher Cassin rugby tackled a man during a gunpoint robbery in Erdington last year

Chief Constable Craig Guildford of West Midlands Police, said the awards were not given lightly.

He said: "As one can see, the bar is rightly set at a high level to represent the bravery, determination and immense personal effort displayed by such worthy members of the public who often place the safety of others before their own."

The gold award winners were given a gold-plated, solid silver medal created by The Sheffield Assay Office.

'Incredibly bravery'

Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney hosted the awards ceremony as honorary secretary.

She said: "Gaynor, Liam and Christopher displayed incredible bravery and selflessness through their swift actions.

"Although the circumstances were very different, they all ultimately protected many other people by putting themselves in harm's way.

"Their actions exemplify why we host these awards every year.

"This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards."