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Gaynor Walters was one of three gold medal winners from the West Midlands recognised at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards on Thursday. The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police. Gaynor, aged 51, was on shift at her branch on Griffiths Drive, Wolverhampton on May 31,last year when a large man entered. With his face covered, he attempted to get in the back of the counter area while pulling out a 12-inch chef’s knife. Immediately Gaynor approached the intoxicated man, taking hold of and walking him out of the store to protect customers and colleagues. At court, the man was sentenced to eight years in jail for multiple offences. The second gold award winner was Liam Stych, who smashed a car window to save a mum and her three-year-old child before their vehicle was washed away in floods. Liam leapt into action after witnessing a car enter deep flood water, caused by heavy rain during Storm Henk in January last year The car was washed downstream and became wedged under a bridge on Green Road, Hall Green, Birmingham. The 29-year-old entered the water to reach the partially submerged vehicle, spotting the three-year-old in the back seat. He smashed the back window and pulled the child to safety, handing her over to his partner. He then went back for the driver who was in a state of shock. During this time he also managed to get some straps to fasten the vehicle to the bridge and locate ‘road closed’ signs to warn other drivers. The woman and her child were kept warm and dry until emergency services arrived. The third winner was Christopher Cassin, aged 67, who recorded crucial evidence in a gunpoint robbery and rugby tackled the perpetrator to stop him evading capture. He was in his car when he spotted the incident unfolding at Wilton Lakes Park, Erdington in August last year. Christopher started recording the incident on his vehicle dashcam and checked on the victims. He reported the crime and when armed police arrived, began a foot chase, seeing one offender was starting to escape on a bike. He ran at the suspect to rugby tackle him to the ground until officers could make an arrest. Two men were charged with robbery and possessing a firearm. West Midland Police's Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “These awards are not given lightly. 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. “It is right and proper that the service recognises such individuals and I’m very pleased to congratulate all of our award winners following the ceremony in Sheffield which was attended by our Deputy Chief Constable, Scott Green.” Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony as honorary secretary, 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."
