Vote for local PC who foiled Greenford Post Office robbery

A police officer who tackled an armed robber after a post office raid on Greenford Avenue, has been nominated for 2013 Outstanding Bravery of the year award.

On 14 March 2013, PC Daniel Strong began his plain-clothed patrol targeting robbers and pick pockets on buses in W7.

Hearing the alarm at Greenford Avenue Post Office, his colleague PC Ward called for assistance and the 41-year-old officer, who has nine years service, went to investigate.

As he looked through the window of the Post Office he saw an armed man holding a gun to the head of a cashier.

PC Strong followed the man as he left but the suspect had a scooter and was about to escape.

PC Strong knocked him and the scooter over. After a struggle he arrested him and recovered the loaded firearm and £50,000.

The man - Michael Devine, 50, (of no fixed abode) was later sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for a number of bank and post office robberies from 2012-2013 in Ealing, West Ealing and Greenford.

PC Strong is one of a number of brave officers who have been nominated and the public can cast their vote until Sunday, 12 January.

The Commissioner's Excellence in Total Policing Awards recognises the breadth of bravery and professionalism across the MPS. The awards categories are wide ranging and will be given to officers, special constables, volunteers and staff.

The following five nominees who have all acted with outstanding bravery:

• PC Daniel Strong from the Safer Transport Command
• PC Ryan Perry and PC Marc Cash from Barnet Borough
• Members of Team C, Hounslow borough
• Officers from the MPS Rope Team
• Sgt Steve Brown, of Islington Borough

Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: "Such remarkable acts of professionalism and selfless acts of bravery are often carried out in the Metropolitan Police Service, but rarely remarked upon. These awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the courage of some of our officers, in saving lives and tackling armed and dangerous criminals.

"Please take a small amount of time out of your day to read about what these officers have done that resulted in them being nominated for this bravery award, and then place your vote. It was a very difficult decision for us to select these cases from a huge number of nominations, all of which are worthy of note.''

Nick Ferrari, LBC 97.3 breakfast presenter, said: "It's my honour and privilege to be involved with this event for the third year in a row. The stories of how brave police officers are to keep Londoners safe are always riveting and inspiring. It's a day that I never want to miss."

9th January 2013