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Merseyside PC Paul Kirwin
nominated for Regional and National Police Bravery Award 2015
THE Police Federation Bravery Awards,
are marking the 20th Anniversary this year. The awards are presented annually to
honour Police Officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on
or off duty. In total, in 2015 there are 64 nominees, from 38 forces, and one is
from Merseyside.
PC Paul Kirwin, 47, who is based in Maghull, was nominated after disarming and
arresting a man armed with a handgun.
PC Kirwin was with a colleague on
uniformed patrol in Litherland, at around, 4.15pm, on Wednesday, 24 July
2013.
While driving their marked police car through the shop precinct car park on
Pendle View in Litherland, Constable Kirwin observed an agitated male stood
in an alleyway and he became suspicious.
PC Kirwin told his colleague to drop him off and drive to the rear of the
shops. He then made his way to the end of the alleyway where he observed a
man leaning into the rear of one of the shops. He walked around the back of
the man and saw his arm was outstretched and he was pointing a black hand
gun at staff members inside.
As the man tried to look around PC Kirwin took hold of the male and grabbed
his arm to prevent him pointing the gun.
A violent struggled then ensued during
which PC Kirwin was able to restrain the male and cause him to drop the
handgun. The man was then arrested for attempted armed robbery for which he
was later charged.
The male later pleaded guilty at court to the offences of attempted robbery
and possession of a firearm with criminal intent and was given a 12 month
supervision order.
PC Kirwin's bravery was recognised by Merseyside Police and he received a
Chief Constables Commendation and Award of Merit for the incident.
Merseyside Police Federation chairman Peter Singleton said:- "There is
no doubt that Constable Kirwin's quick thinking and outstanding bravery led
to the arrest of a very dangerous individual, prevented the commission of an
offence of a robbery, reduced the trauma that the shop staff suffered and
prevented the male committing any further offences and trauma to other
members of the public."
The Regional and National Police Bravery Awards will take place on Tuesday,
27 October 2015 and nominated officers will attend a reception at Downing
Street and an evening awards ceremony.
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