Branch chair Liz Groom has spoken of her pride at representing the Federation at the national Police Bravery Awards as she completes her final edition of the event before retirement.
The 31st Bravery Awards was held last night (Thursday 9 July) in London by the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary officers PC Rob Callow and PC Piers Kitson were nominated for the occasion following their outstanding actions stopping an armed individual from threatening the public in Cambridge in March 2025.
The heroic duo first made a special visit to 10 Downing Street for an exclusive reception with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood before going onto the evening’s award ceremony.
They were part of the Region 4 category on the night, which was won by counterparts at Northamptonshire Police. Officers from the Metropolitan Police were announced as overall winners for their response to the Hainault attacks in April 2024.
Also present at the ceremony was Liz, who reflected on what the Bravery Awards mean to her as she approaches the end of her time as branch chair.
“There’s a reason it’s always a highlight on the calendar for so many people in policing – it’s an opportunity to pause and take some time to really appreciate how incredible our profession truly is,” she said.
“It’s amazing to think we have people from all over the country who put on this uniform and go out, completely selflessly, to put the public’s safety before their own.
“The Bravery Awards allows a handful of these incidents to be celebrated each year, but in reality, there are too many to count, so it is also about every single act of courage and commitment in the police.
“With that said, Rob and Piers are fully deserving of their nomination and I am absolutely delighted for them to be here, because what they did in Cambridge last year was exceptional.
“It’s been an absolute honour to have joined many nominees like Rob and Piers at this event over the years as Federation chair.
“It’s consistently served as a reminder to me of every amazing branch member I have been privileged to represent. To them, I say thank-you for making me so proud – not just on days like this, but every day.”
PFEW national chair Tiff Lynch opened the evening with a heartfelt speech thanking nominees for their dedication to the keeping the public from harm.
She said: “Tonight, we will hear stories of individual valour – accounts of sensitivity and love in the face of the most heartbreaking vulnerability.
“Every nominee story is in the brochure on your table, and I ask that you take the time to read all of them. Because together, they paint a remarkable picture of modern policing.
“Policing asks a lot – you only have to look into the eyes of the people waiting for you to come home after every shift to understand that. It asks you to walk towards danger when everyone else is running away, and it asks you to make split-second, life-changing decisions in unpredictable circumstances.
“It asks you to be courageous and compassionate in equal measure.”
While maintaining ‘this night is for celebration’, Tiff went on to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, adding: “I’d like to invite you all to stand with me for a moment to remember the police officers whose lives we have mourned in the last year.”
Later, the Home Secretary addressed nominees and guests again via video message, speaking glowingly about the commitment and professionalism found within policing.
“It is my privilege to serve as your home secretary and to represent you all in government, especially on a day like today as we celebrate acts of heroism which would otherwise go unheralded,” she said.
“With these awards, we honour your bravery, and we think too of your colleagues on duty right now, as well as your families who share your sacrifice and the officers and staff no longer with us.
“Today is a chance to say what is too rarely said – thank you, on behalf of the whole country, for the danger you face and the lengths you go to in keeping the rest of us safe.
“I want to issue you with a firm instruction to put away your modesty and soak up the praise that is coming your way tonight.”