An Essex Police officer who bravely confronted a man armed with a handgun and knife during a high-risk standoff in Chelmsford has been honoured with a Federation Bravery Award, recognising his “quiet courage” and lifesaving response under pressure.

Sergeant Rob Partridge, who was unarmed at the time and vastly outnumbered, was among the first on scene on 16 February 2023, when officers tracked a vulnerable man in crisis. Upon locating him, the man pointed a handgun at a marked police vehicle.

Despite the threat, Sgt Partridge and his colleagues held position — without firearms support — until armed officers could arrive. As tensions escalated, the man dropped the weapon but quickly produced a knife and revealed he had inflicted serious injuries to his own wrists.

With the situation teetering on a knife-edge, Sgt Partridge calmly negotiated with the man, persuading him to drop the blade. With no guarantee of safety and firearms cover yet to arrive, the team moved in, restrained the man, and immediately administered first aid.

Realising the ambulance would not arrive in time, officers took the critically injured man directly to A&E in their police vehicle — a decision that doctors later said likely saved his life.

A spokesperson for the Essex Police Federation said:

“This is the kind of story you rarely hear — where officers stand in the gap with no protection but their instinct, experience, and sheer courage. Sgt Partridge exemplifies everything the public should know about the real face of frontline policing.”

Social media users and fellow officers have praised the actions, calling Sgt Partridge a “true public servant” and “a credit to the uniform.”

The Bravery Award recognises exceptional acts of valour by Essex officers. Sgt Partridge is now being considered for national recognition in the upcoming Police Bravery Awards 2025.