Surrey Police officer and police dog nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025
PC Marissa Barwell, and her dog PD Ella have been nominated for the award
A police constable who, with their police dog at their side, put themselves in harm’s way to protect others without hesitation from a suspect with a large knife, have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.
On 18 October, Surrey Police received multiple 999 calls reporting a man armed with a large knife, aggressively threatening members of the public, including children.
The severity and immediacy of the threat led to the incident being declared a spontaneous firearms incident, with taser-trained officers directed to the location to protect the public.
PC Marissa Barwell, accompanied by her highly trained police dog, PD Ella, was the first to arrive on the scene, a busy parade of shops where numerous civilians, including families and children, were present.
The suspect, a heavy-set male, was spotted near an alleyway adjacent to a shop, openly brandishing the weapon in an intimidating manner.
Without hesitation, PC Barwell made a split-second decision to exit her police vehicle with PD Ella and courageously positioned herself between the armed suspect and the public.
She immediately issued clear and authoritative commands for the man to drop his weapon. Instead of complying, the suspect raised the knife and aggressively pointed it towards PC Barwell.
Despite facing an immediate and potentially life-threatening danger, PC Barwell demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism, and composure.
Rather than retreating, she maintained her stance, containing the suspect and preventing him from moving towards the public or escaping the scene.
Her presence and control of the situation played a crucial role in de-escalation and ensuring the safety of those nearby.
PC Barwell's actions allowed vital time for additional officers equipped with tasers to arrive and provide support.
With the suspect still armed and presenting a serious threat, the combined efforts of the officers on the scene led to the safe detention and arrest of the individual without any harm coming to officers, the public, or the suspect.
PC Barwell’s actions, alongside the invaluable support of PD Ella, prevented what could have been a devastating incident with potential loss of life.
Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble said: “Policing is a job like no other, what we do on a daily basis is anything but normal. Officers every day continue to run towards danger. In this case PC Marissa Barwell and her Police Dog Ella have attended a report of a male armed with a large knife threatening the public and without hesitation both officers have put themselves in harm’s way. PC Barwell and PD Ella have managed to control the suspect until supporting officers have arrived where the male was arrested.
PC Barwell remained calm and composed acting in the bravest way to resolve a potentially life-threatening incident. It goes without saying how proud I am that PC Barwell and PD Ella are worthy nominees for the PFEW National Police Bravery Award.
Surrey Police’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “PC Barwell bravely put herself in harm’s way in order to protect members of the public. Her selfless actions, supported by PD Ella, undoubtedly prevented the situation escalating. I wish PC Barwell the best of luck at the Bravery Awards and could not be prouder of her.”