Three West Midlands heroes have been honoured for outstanding bravery in the face of danger
Christopher Cassin receiving his gold medal award at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards
Three Birmingham and Black Country heroes have been honoured for their selfless actions which helped save lives.
A Birmingham lifesaver who saved a toddler in a flood, a Black Country Post Office worker who grabbed a drunk knifeman, and a pensioner who rugby tackled a city park gunman have all received awards at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards.
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.
Read more: Hero saves child and driver from car submerged in flood water
Liam Stych, received a gold medal award after he smashed a car window to save a mum and her three-year-old child before their vehicle was washed away in floods.
The 29-year-old leapt into action after witnessing a car enter deep flood water, caused by heavy rain during Storm Henk on January 2, last year.
The car was washed downstream and became wedged under a bridge on Green Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.
The car secured to a bridge in Hall Green after the driver and a child were rescued from inside (Image: WMP)
Liam 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 Liam also managed to get some ratchet 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.
Read more: Meet the ten unsung heroes making a difference in our communities
Also in Birmingham, Christopher Cassin, recorded crucial evidence in a gunpoint robbery and rugby tackled the perpetrator to stop him evading capture.
The 67-year-old was in his car when he spotted the incident unfolding at Wilton Lakes Park, Erdington on August 10, 2024.
He started recording the incident on his vehicle dashcam and checked on the victims.
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He reported the crime and when armed police arrived, beginning a foot chase, he saw 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 while committing a schedule 1 offence. In the end, no further action was taken.
Christopher received a gold medal for his selfless actions.
Post Office worker Gaynor Walters received her gold medal at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards after frogmarching a knifeman out of her branch in Wolverhampton
While in the Black Country, Post Office worker, Gaynor Walters, also got the gold medal for fearlessly marching an armed robber out of her branch.
Gaynor, 51, was on shift at her branch on Griffiths Drive, Wolverhampton on May 31, 2024, 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 West Midlands trio received their gold medals at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield on Thursday (October 23).
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Chief Constable Craig Guildford of West Midlands Police, 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 Gold and Silver 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.
“Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable compassion and selflessness.
“They choose to help without the training, safety equipment and support our police officers have access to when protecting the public from harm.
“This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards.”
Receiving their Police Public Bravery Awards (from top left) Victor Garland and Matthew Rogers and
(from bottom left) James Eggleston and George Forth
Gaynor, Liam and Christopher, like all the gold award winners, were given a gold-plated, solid silver medal created by The Sheffield Assay Office.
West Midlands Police said they also wanted to congratulate Victor Gartland, Matthew Rogers, James Eggleston and George Forth who also received awards for their bravery.
