Defence Police Federation Honours Courage and Dedication at 2025 Awards Ceremony

The Defence Police Federation's 2025 Annual Awards brought together Ministry of Defence Police officers, families, and partners to celebrate remarkable acts of bravery, dedication, and service that exemplify the highest standards of policing.

Now in its fifth year, the ceremony has become a cornerstone of the policing calendar - a moment to pause and recognise the officers who consistently go above and beyond in protecting national security and supporting their communities.

"Policing is a challenging and demanding career, and you never know what you're going to face each day
Many of tonight's recipients may humbly say 'I was just doing my job,' but their actions have made a profound difference and that deserves recognition."
Eamon Keating, National Chair of the Defence Police Federation.

Life-Saving Heroism

The evening honoured several officers whose quick thinking and courage saved lives in critical moments.

In a dramatic incident in June 2024, eight officers - T/Sgt Alexandria, PC Perrett, PC Newman, PC Allen-Campbell, Sgt Flynn, PC Chapman, PC Smith, and Sgt Hurry - rescued a man hanging from the edge of an aircraft carrier in the early hours of the morning. Despite having no safety harness and facing an 11-metre drop to the harbour below, the officers climbed outside the safety rails and worked together to pull the man to safety.

Protecting Their Partners

Police officers aren't the only ones who put themselves in harm's way. PC Wills and civilian guard Corinne Evans worked together to save the life of police dog PD Harold after he was struck by an incorrectly stored wire at AWE in March 2025. With blood pumping from a severed artery, PC Wills applied immediate pressure whilst Corinne squeezed the leg tightly to stem the flow. Their swift actions during the emergency drive to a veterinary hospital saved PD Harold's life. After three months of recovery, he returned to duty. We were even lucky enough to meet him on the night!

Excellence in Investigation

Three detectives were recognised for their diligent investigation that resulted in fraud perpetrators being brought to justice, demonstrating the breadth of skills required in modern defence policing.

Inspirational Determination

PC Collingwood received the Inspirational Award for her extraordinary courage following a stroke in June 2024. The 34-year-old dog handler was left unable to use her right arm and leg, yet within just six weeks she defied medical expectations and was back standing on her paddleboard. Six months after her stroke, she climbed Ben Nevis, raising over £1,800 for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. Despite continuing effects and being at risk of another stroke, she returned to work on a gradual basis whilst continuing her recovery.

Unfortunately, she couldn't join us on the night, so Superintendent Morgan-Fisher collected her award on her behalf and read the room a heartfelt message from PC Collingwood.

Scene Management Under Pressure

PC McIver and PC Foster demonstrated exceptional professionalism when they responded to a scaffolding collapse in a remote area of RNAD Coulport in January 2025. The two contractors had fallen 20 feet from the scaffolding. The officers assessed injuries, provided first aid, took control of the scene, and coordinated the emergency response. Due to the location, the Scottish Ambulance Service took nearly an hour to arrive. Both contractors made a full recovery.

Champions of Family Support

Chief Inspector Ellis received recognition for her transformative work as the MDP's Maternity and Paternity Coordinator. Drawing on her own challenging experience during the pandemic, she created comprehensive guidance that has brought clarity and support to countless officers navigating parenthood. She personally supports officers daily, helping them understand their entitlements around benefits, shared parental leave, IVF, adoption, and flexible working - all whilst balancing her demanding role as Senior Police Officer.

"I'm honoured because I don't do it for recognition," Chief Inspector Ellis said. "I do it to try and help others."

Lifetime Achievement

Inspector Mileham retired in April 2025 after an incredible 53-year career in policing spanning six decades. His service included 33 years with the Metropolitan Police before joining the MDP 20 years ago, where he served with the Special Escort Group and undertook two tours of Afghanistan.

Sadly, Insp Mileham wasn't able to make it on the night, but Vice Chair Insp Cossey collected the award on his behalf.

Sergeant Knight also received recognition upon his retirement after four decades of dedicated service. Beginning his MDP career in 1985 at RAF Quedgeley, he progressed through CID, earned promotion to Sergeant, and retrained as an Authorised Firearms Officer before becoming Shift Commander at RAF Fairford and later SPO at MOD Corsham.

A Force to Be Proud Of

The 2025 awards demonstrated the extraordinary dedication of MDP officers who protect critical national infrastructure whilst supporting each other and their communities with compassion and professionalism.

"The officers we honour tonight are true ambassadors for the Ministry of Defence Police," Eamon Keating concluded. "It is both an honour and privilege for the Federation to celebrate their achievements."

The Federation also expressed deep gratitude to the families and loved ones of officers, recognising that their unwavering support plays an essential role in everything MDP officers do.