Brave and dedicated British Transport Police officers have been honoured at the annual British Transport Police Federation Awards of Excellence.
The event was held at the Hilton Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday 23 September and attended by guests including BTP’s Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi.
Chair of BTP Federation, Stuart Cowan, said: “The Awards honour the brave and dedicated members of the British Transport Police Federation. Nominated by colleagues, the Awards champion the great work that on many occasions goes unnoticed by the public.
"Many of the nominees say, 'I was just doing my job,' but it's easy to lose sight of what an extraordinary job it is, and the difference quick-thinking, dedication, and tireless work make.”
The following officers and staff received Awards of Excellence:
Pictured from left to right: Simon Powell, from Headline Sponsor Ardonagh Group; Inspector Paul Hevey; PC Kevin Rankin; PC Lewis Roberts; PC Leanne Nevin; Danielle Stephenson (NHS nurse); Stuart Cowan, Federation Chair; Special Constable Gary Blackburn; PCSO Andrew Noble; PC Sam Whitfield; DI Matt Davies; DC Robert Mercer; PC Adam Bebbington; Danielle Povey, Award sponsor JMW Solicitors
Detective Investigation of the Year – DI Matt Davies, DC Robert Mercer and PC Sam Whitfield
The officers were honoured for their work on a complex and wide-ranging investigation that not only secured successful prosecutions but will have long-lasting benefits to enhance all forces' ability to catch those orchestrating County Lines and prosecute them under the Modern Slavery Act (2015).
What started as a simple health check on a 15-year-old young person at London Bridge station resulted in the successful prosecution of a man and a woman for modern slavery offences. DI Davies went on to write a Modern Slavery Guidance document that has now been shared nationally and used on several cases across British Transport Police and other Forces to increase the use of this legislation.
Team of the Year - Inspector Paul Hevey, PC Kevin Rankin, PC Lewis Roberts, PC Leanne Nevin, PC Thomas Pearson, and Danielle Stephenson (NHS nurse)
This award was presented in recognition of this group’s collective efforts to successfully introduce a pilot mental health triage scheme in north-west England and gather evidence to enable the scheme to be continued and expanded.
The pilot, supported by BTP, Merseyrail, and Network Rail, saw police officers work alongside mental health practitioners, allowing for a rapid response to provide on-scene mental health assessments. Over a twelve-month period, there was a 62% reduction in section 136 detentions across Liverpool compared to the previous year. This led to a saving for the NHS based on the cost of ambulance requests, A&E admissions and bed costs. BTP also realised an economic saving from returning officers to frontline duties more quickly.
Cop of the Year
This award was presented to an officer who demonstrated incredible bravery, leadership, and professionalism in the face of a dangerous and challenging incident.
This officer wishes to remain anonymous. They are not pictured and have requested no publicity.
Special of the Year – Gary Blackburn
Gary Blackburn was honoured for bravery, but also in recognition of being an inspiration and a positive force for all who come into contact with him. In September 2024, the volunteer officer was attacked by a man wielding a knife at Preston railway station, suffering severe stab wounds to the back of his neck.
In February 2025, a 57-year-old man was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article and was sentenced to 27 years in prison.
Whilst the incident has undoubtedly affected him and his family both physically and mentally, SPC Blackburn has demonstrated truly commendable qualities by returning to frontline duties to support his colleagues and the public in keeping them safe.
Chair’s Award - PC Adam Bebbington and PCSO Andy Noble
These colleagues were recognised for their exceptional actions and efforts in response to reports of a stabbing at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield, a few minutes from Sheffield Railway Station, in February 2025.
On arrival, officers were made aware that a student had been stabbed. PC Bebbington immediately assisted an attending paramedic in attempting to provide lifesaving intervention to the victim, a 15-year-old boy. PCSO Noble began liaising with staff and went to the location of the suspect, where he was able to secure the weapon used in the incident, maintaining its integrity as a key part of the investigation.
Thanks to our sponsors
The Awards of Excellence were made possible by generous support from headline sponsors, Ardonagh Group, who provide BTP Federation’s Group Insurance scheme, along with kind sponsorship from JMW Solicitors.
The Awards take place as part of BTP Federation’s annual conference, which is made possible thanks to support from Police Friendly, Accord Legal Services, Police Mortgages, Adept Group Limited, the National Police Healthcare Scheme, Ortus Travel Insurance, Dave Talbot, Serve and Protect Credit Union and Uniform Mortgages.