Five people from Greater Manchester were recognised as some of the bravest in the country at a national awards evening this week.
Stephen Lee and Alex Rodda, Ronald Smith and Robert Anderson and Steven Nickeas were all named at the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Police Public Bravery Awards at Manchester’s Raddison Blu Hotel on Monday 23 November, receiving two silver awards and a certificate between them. Stephen, Alex and Steven all attended the awards.

Stephen Lee (40) and Alex Rodda (51), from Bolton and Wrexham, were recognised for the bravery that they displayed during a flight from Manchester to Portugal. The two men assisted airline staff when a fellow passenger became violent towards his partner an hour into their flight to Faro. Stephen and Alex rushed to help the cabin crew restrain the man, eventually sitting either side of the offender while he was strapped down for the remainder of the flight.
Steven Nickeas, 33 from Stockport, received his silver award alongside Stephen and Alex for his bravery when he disturbed a burglar on his street. Out to work early one morning, Steve realised that his car had been broken in to and, on looking around he spotted what he thought was a neighbour looking in the boot of their car. Keen to help someone else he thought may have also been broken into; he went to check everything was ok. Moments later he realised that it wasn’t a neighbour but actually the offender carrying out his latest crime. Steve chased the offender, tackled and restrained him until Greater Manchester Police arrived.
Finally, Ronald Smith and Robert Anderson won a certificate for stepping in to help when an armed robber tried to take money and cigarettes from a corner shop in Pendlebury. The two men, aged 77 and 71, both live in Swinton. Ronald had gone for his morning paper when a man holding a large knife entered the shop, demanding money and cigarettes. As the offender entered, quick thinking Ronald quietly left the store and held the door closed from the outside so that the offender could not escape. Robert Anderson heard Ronald’s shouts for help and came to help secure the door further until the police arrived, stopping the offender from fleeing.
All five men were nominated for their awards by Greater Manchester Police, having stepped in until officers arrived.
Assistant Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police, Garry Shewan, said:
“Congratulations and well done to all of the winners of the awards, a truly inspirational group of people.
“To take a stand against criminals in dangerous situations deserves to be commended and I am honoured to have been able to attend the awards evening last night to recognise these brave people. We work hard to keep our communities safe but residents like this show what a big impact being an active citizen can be.”
The NPCC Police Public Bravery Awards are sponsored by The Goldsmith’s Company and recognise members of the public for actions which support the police in preserving law and order. This year’s award ceremony recognised the acts of 76 people for their courage and bravery.
Honorary Awards Secretary, Chief Constable David Crompton, said: “Every day, somewhere in the United Kingdom, members of the public put themselves in harm’s way in order to help or protect others who are vulnerable or at risk. Policing in the UK has always been performed with the consent of the public and we could not do our job without their assistance. This award ceremony provides the police service with a unique opportunity to thank the public spirited men and women who have gone beyond what would normally be expected and actively engaged in brave, courageous or selfless acts to help protect communities, detect crime or assist the police.”

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