Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards 2023
A teenager who helped at the scene of a serious road accident in June 2022 was among the members of the public, police officers and police staff recognised at the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards during a ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, today (Friday, 23 February, 2024).
Finlay Johnston, who is now 20, from Edinburgh, provided life-saving assistance when he was on his way home from his school leaver’s function when he noticed a man trapped, bleeding and unconscious in a vehicle in Edinburgh. Finlay held the man in an upright position to allow his airway passage to open until an ambulance arrived. He also provided comfort to the other passenger in the car.
Finlay Johnston
Other individuals recognised in Chief Constable Jo Farrell’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, which is sponsored by Police Mutual, included officers who rescued a woman in the sea in Saltcoats, Ayrshire and a sergeant and constable who saved a woman from a house fire in Lerwick, Shetland.
The Lanarkshire Community Triage Service offering telephone advice, liaison and mental health assessments were also recognised at the excellence awards. This crucial service assisted police officers who were in contact with people in a potential mental health crisis who could need immediate care.
Lanarkshire Community Triage - Lanarkshire Division
The Scottish Child Interview Model Team for the North East Division at Police Scotland was also highlighted for their excellence. This team ensured children and young people involved receive the required specialist response, support and care plans.
Scottish Child Interview Model Team - North East Division
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “These awards shine a light on the great value policing brings to communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems and reducing offending.
“I want to thank and congratulate all the winners and nominees, including members of the public. Their inspiring work and brave actions illustrate how policing stands up for and with our communities.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Scotland’s police officers and staff go above and beyond every day to serve our communities. What might seem ordinary for them is, in reality, often extraordinary and I am grateful to each and every one of them.
“These awards rightly recognise the bravery and excellence shown by police officers and staff, and by volunteers and members of the public across the country. I would like to congratulate all the nominees and award-winners – their stories are truly inspiring.”
Kerry McMahon-White, Head of Partnerships at Police Mutual said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be sponsoring the Chief Constable’s Bravery & Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of Policing and recognising the outstanding achievements by officers and staff from across the Service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners. All nominees are an inspiration and a credit to the service and I, and all my colleagues at Police Mutual would like to offer my thanks to those who were nominated for your achievements as well as congratulations to the winners.”
Bravery Awards
Constables Steven Prentice, James Henderson and Andrew Leslie
Finlay Johnston (member of the public)
Constable Craig Hannah and another officer.
Malcolm MacIntyre (member of the public) and two officers.
Sergeant Lara McCabe and Constable Colin Crawford
Constable Ryan Bunting
Ross Miller (member of the public)
Sergeant James Griffin, Constables Rob Philips and Nicole McEwen
Western Isles Coastguard Team - Highland and Islands Division
Mountain Rescue Team – Highland and Islands Division
Excellence Awards
Excellence – Greatest Contribution to Policing Priorities
Operation Overview - Specialist Crime Division
Excellence – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Corporate Communications Accessibility Strategy – Corporate Services Division
Policing Partner of the Year
Lanarkshire Community Triage - Lanarkshire Division
Service Improvement Award
Scottish Child Interview Model Team – North East Division
Team of the Year
Edinburgh County Lines Enquiry Team – Edinburgh City Division
Wellbeing
Constable Jonathan Davis – North East Division
Police Officer of the Year
Detective Constable Stuart Ritchie – Specialist Crime Division
Probationary Constable of the Year
Constable Steve Harre-Young – Highland and Islands Division
Special Constable of the Year
Special Constable Anthony Olowoyeye – The Lothians and Scottish Borders Division
Police Unsung Hero Award
Special Constable John Bullough – Tayside Division (Posthumous)
Chief Constable’s Award
Edinburgh County Lines Enquiry Team – Edinburgh City Division
Congratulations to all our nominees and winners.
Award recipients include:
Special Constable of the Year - Special Constable Anthony Olowoyeye
Bravery Award - Constable Colin Crawford and Sergeant Lara McCabe
Police Unsung Hero Award - Special Constable John Bullough, Tayside Division (Posthumous)
