Kent Police Officers Get Top Honours for Bravery and Professionalism
Heroic Act in Dover: Knife-Wielding Suspects Caught
Kent Police Chief Constable Alan Pughsley has praised a group of officers for their courage and professionalism. Among the heroes were PC Ben Hibbert and PC Aimee Bryers, honoured at a ceremony on 25 February 2020 at Kent Police College, Maidstone.
The pair responded to an alarming aggravated burglary in Dover back in January 2019. Two men armed with a blood-stained knife were caught trying to break into a home.
As the officers closed in, the suspects split up. PC Hibbert grabbed one straight away while PC Bryers chased the other. The second man, cornered and desperate, assaulted PC Bryers—grabbing her by the throat and banging her head against a concrete wall. Despite the vicious attack, she held firm.
Hearing the struggle, PC Hibbert sprinted over with his suspect and drew his Taser, helping to detain the second offender. Remarkably, PC Bryers was only seven weeks into her police career at the time.
Justice Served After Deadly Arson
The Chief Constable also commended officers involved in solving a heartbreaking case of arson in West Malling.
On 17 November 2018, a deliberately set fire claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman. Another occupant escaped by leaping from a first-floor window. Investigations revealed the fire was started by the victim’s daughter’s ex-partner.
The man was arrested, charged with murder and attempted murder, and despite denying guilt, was convicted after a three-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court in May 2019. He received a minimum 32-year prison sentence.
Key officers – PC Hayley Keen, PC Christopher Lane, Sergeant Martin Kennet, DC Michelle James, DC Bradley Shingles, DC Clare Lockwood, and Detective Sergeant Murray Tester – earned praise for meticulously securing the scene and building the case that delivered justice.
Chief Constable Applauds Brave Officers, Calls for New Recruits
“We have an incredible team here at Kent Police, full of officers and staff who go the extra mile,” said Chief Constable Alan Pughsley. “Presenting these awards for unbelievable bravery is one of the best parts of my job.”
He added that Kent Police is currently recruiting new officers and staff, aiming to deliver top-notch service to Kent residents.
