Gary Franklin was presented with a Public Bravery Award on Thursday last week at the National Police Chiefs Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards held at The Cutler’s Hall in Sheffield.
Gary was one of the gold winners at this prestigious awards ceremony for his role in disarming the suspect during the altercation that happened on 4 September last year outside the Co-op store in Pewsey.
Gary left his car to intervene when he saw a verbal altercation turn to violence outside the shop. One man was brandishing a knife and attacking a second.
Gary took immediate action, disarming the suspect, removing the knife and securing it on the ground to preserve evidence. At the same time, he detained the suspect and directed bystanders to help the victim, who had been stabbed multiple times.
His calm and collected demeanor under pressure also extended to orchestrating timely calls for police and an ambulance.
Recognising the need for additional first aid measures, he sought out a store manager to request a first aid kit. The proper application of bandages effectively stemmed the victim’s blood flow, providing crucial care before emergency services could arrive.
The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper attended the awards on behalf of Wiltshire Police.
She said: “I was so very honoured and proud to be present to celebrate the incredible actions of Gary Franklin. There is no doubt that the action he took was heroic, and he is so very deserving of the recognition he received.
Gary put his own safety aside to protect others, and I thank him for his incredible bravery and selflessness in helping keep people safe.”
At court, a jury found the defendant guilty of Section 18 GBH. He is on remand awaiting sentencing.
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