City of London Sheriffs’ Award

The prestigious City of London Sheriffs’ Award for Bravery was presented on Monday 12 October 2015 by Sheriff Dr Christine Rigden at the Annual Dinner of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, at Plaisterers’ Hall.  The Award recognises outstanding acts of bravery by individuals from across the UK who without thought for their own safety, act to confront danger in a selfless and inspirational way.

The Award was launched by the Company after the 2007 London tube and bus bombings, in conjunction with former Lord Mayor, Sir David Brewer.

This year’s winner is Zoe Brown from Manchester. On New Year’s Day Zoe was at home with her partner Matthew and their baby, when she heard banging on the window of the house opposite. She saw a man attempting to climb in whilst shouting at the occupant, his partner. The man said that he was locked out and then started to kick the door, eventually forcing it open.  Zoe heard the sound of a woman screaming, which continued, so Zoe went to look and saw a female being dragged along by her hair. Zoe immediately ran into the house and pushed the man away from the woman, helped her to her feet and took her outside.

The man went back into the house and came out brandishing a knife, threatening Zoe’s partner, Matthew who had come to help.

Zoe, with no regard for her own safety, launched herself at the man and knocked him to the floor. The couple then managed to restrain and disarm him. Shortly afterwards police arrived and arrested him.

Zoe’s selfless action put her own life on the line to protect others and was an outstanding example of the intent of this award. After the presentation Zoe said, “I just did what anyone else would have done.”