The heroic trio of officers set to represent South Wales Police at the 2026 national Police Bravery Awards have been wished luck by the Federation ahead of the ceremony.
Earlier this year, Sergeant Pete Williams and PCs Matt Reynolds and Gareth Green received the nomination after their exceptional actions in a harrowing domestic disturbance.
Coming in at 7am, the first call on a Sunday morning shift soon had Matt and Gareth travelling to a flat that was clearly in distress.
While some occupants had already fled the property beforehand, they arrived at the scene to find two people – a man and a woman – still present and barricaded inside a bedroom.
It soon became apparent the man was aggressive and threatening in his behaviour, warning the officers he would stab them and ‘chop their heads off’ should they continue their advances.
Suddenly, a blade was then thrust through the bedroom door – only the start of the violence after Matt and Gareth had moved to contain the ground-floor flat.
The smashing of windows and throwing of glass at the officers followed, before it emerged the suspect was in possession of a chainsaw.
Chainsaw
By the time Pete had reached the scene, Matt had been threatened with the chainsaw after it had been used to cut through an internal wall.’
But the three officers then combined to take full control of the situation and create a sterile area to minimise the suspect’s threat, with the experienced Pete now leading the response as an Acting Bronze Inspector.
This paved the way for the trio to gradually get closer to the suspect, who had visibly injured himself, and eventually move in to arrest him with the help of Taser use.
Now, Pete, Matt and Gareth will all travel to London for this year’s Bravery Awards event, which puts the spotlight on outstanding acts of policing from across England and Wales.
Warm wishes
On behalf of the Federation, branch chair Phil Walker sent his warm wishes to the South Wales Police personnel as he discussed their nomination.
“I would like to wish our three nominees all the best for the Bravery Awards, where I’m sure they will do us proud regardless of what happens on the night,” Phil said.
“It is truly a special occasion to be at, so I hope they can make the most of it and enjoy all the praise and attention they are sure to get.
“To do what they did in that flat, in such disturbing and physically and mentally challenging circumstances, was unbelievable.
Horror movie
“I know the scene has been described as like something out of a horror movie, and I can only imagine what it must have been like to deal with.
“But, somehow, they did it – through sheer dedication to public safety, and that is something which should never be taken for granted.
“Their courage, determination and composure were absolutely exceptional, and they deserve to have a great evening being celebrated.”