Devizes Police Officer nominated for National Bravery Awards 2025

A Wiltshire Police Officer has been nominated for the National Bravery Awards 2025 for her heroic actions in two separate incidents last summer.

PC Nicola Crabbe of the Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team has been nominated after she jumped into a canal to try to save a person who wasn't moving, and for tackling a suspect with a knife in Devizes town centre.

On the morning of 21 May 2024, Wiltshire PC Crabbe responded to a 999 call reporting a person floating near a bridge along the Kennet and Avon canal. PC Crabbe and her PCSO colleague quickly arrived at the scene to find a person face down in the water, about 15 feet from the canal bank.

Without hesitation, PC Crabbe removed her operational kit and jumped into the canal. Sadly, the woman died later in hospital.

PC Crabbe said: "With the help of my PCSO colleague we pulled her out of the canal, performed CPR, and managed to get her back for a short time. It was just long enough for her family to get to the hospital where she was taken, and to sadly say their goodbyes."

Just over a month later on Saturday 29 June 2024, Wiltshire Police received multiple calls about a man chasing another man along a main road into Devizes town centre. The pursued male was bleeding badly from his head and back. PC Crabbe and her PCSO colleague were the first to arrive at the scene, where they found two men fighting in the street.

Without concern for her safety, PC Crabbe separated the two males and detained the attacker, who was armed with a knife. He was later arrested, and convicted of attempted murder. The judge hearing the trial sent the offender to a psychiatric unit and said the police officer and members of the public who helped with first aid should be commended.

The victim, who had been stabbed, was airlifted to the hospital and made a full recovery.

PC Crabbe said: "We received a call saying there were two men fighting, covered in blood outside the butchers on Sidmouth Street. When we arrived a member of the public pointed out the man with a knife. I am not taser trained so was technically unarmed but it was a hot day, it was midday, it was a Saturday, the area was busy, so there was no thought to it really.

"I think highlighting the good work officers do is really important because we get a lot of negative attention. I'm incredibly honoured to have been nominated for this award but it will always be tainted because someone else had to suffer."

Chief Constable Catherine: "I am incredibly proud to endorse PC Nicola Crabbe, who has been nominated at the national level for her exceptional bravery and dedication to public service.

“In two distinct and life-threatening incidents, PC Crabbe’s actions exemplified the true spirit of policing. Whether diving into a deep canal to rescue a person in distress or intervening in a dangerous knife attack to protect the public, she acted with remarkable courage and professionalism. These incidents reflect not only her personal bravery but also her unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of others.

“PC Crabbe’s quick thinking, combined with the support of her colleagues and members of the public, undoubtedly saved lives. Her courage is a true reflection of the highest standards we aspire to in Wiltshire Police.

“I wholeheartedly commend PC Crabbe for her bravery, I thank her for her passionate commitment to the communities of Wiltshire”

The full list of award winners will be announced on Thursday night (10/07) during a dinner at a west London hotel.