Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards set to return to recognise courageous actions of officer

THE Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards are returning this year on May 26 to recognise the courageous actions of Essex officers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Essex Police Federation Chair Laura Heggie said: “I’m really happy about the Bravery Awards happening again this year and thrilled to be involved. Because of the lag with COVID, we’ve actually got officers from 17 incidents who are up for Awards, and they’re all really worthy.”

Laura said that this Awards ceremony would be particularly special as some of the officers hadn’t had the chance to meet in person with their families at this kind of event, due to the pandemic. Recent Chief Constable’s Commendation ceremonies have had to be held online.

Laura said: “I think this is what makes our Awards ceremony this year even more special because this is the night that we can say, ‘You’ve done a cracking job and we want to show you how much we appreciate what you did’. We’ve ensured that all officers up for the award have been invited, with their partners, to come along and hopefully have a really nice evening.

“We’re also having a charity raffle this year, with proceeds going to Hope for Grace, through the charity Tree of Hope. Grace is the four-year-old daughter of an officer I used to work with, Dale Beverton. Grace has a rare genetic mutation and the funds will go towards providing her with specialist physiotherapy and equipment. She’s just come out of hospital at the moment from another operation, and she’s a little superstar.”

For more information on Hope for Grace and to donate, visit: www.treeofhope.org.uk/grace-beverton