PC who confronted Keyham gunman gets new King's bravery award
PC Zach Printer is one of the first people to be included on the new King's Gallantry List
Last updated 14th May 2024
An unarmed police officer who confronted the gunman in the Plymouth shootings in 2021 is one of the first people to receive a new honour from the King.
PC Zach Printer is included on the new King's Gallantry List, which is published today.
Five people died in the shootings in Keyham on the 12th of August 2021, along with the gunman.
PC Printer was attending to one of the people who'd been shot when he saw the gunman carrying the firearm.
He ran towards him and told him to stand still, hoping he could talk him down - but the 21 year old turned the gun on himself.
The officer has been acknowledged for his “selfless and brave actions” while confronting the gunman, which prevented further harm to others.
Zach was first told in March this year that a recommendation had been put forward by the George Cross Committee.
He said: “I’m immensely proud.
“The nomination came as a bolt out of the blue; you don’t know who has put this forward.
“I felt absolutely elated when I received the news but in the same vein I was very conscious there are other first-responders who were there with me at the time.
“To be awarded such an honour, and the prospect of going to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to receive it from a member of the Royal Family, would be the highlight of anyone’s career.
“I would like to wish all of the families and those affected by the events of that day well.”
Zach is looking forward to receiving the medal – at a venue and on a date to be confirmed - with his wife and three grown-up sons.
"The very best of policing, and the very best of human-kind"
Zach has received a commendation from HM Coroner for Plymouth Torbay and South Devon for his actions on 12 August 2021.
He was also the recipient of a Chief Constable’s commendation and has been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award in July.
Devon & Cornwall Police Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: “The courageous and selfless actions of first-responders like Zach Printer amid the most horrendous of circumstances on 12 August 2021 show the very best of policing, but also the very best of human-kind.
“We are very proud that Zach is to be awarded The King's Gallantry Medal for his actions.
“I am truly humbled to be able to consider Zach – and all those who responded to the unfolding tragedy that day - as colleagues.”
Among the others receiving the award are:
Georgie Laurie from Sandhurst in Berkshire, who rescued her twin sister from a crocodile attack in Mexico by punching the animal in the face.
PC Steven Denniss, who was stabbed in the leg while apprehending a double murder suspect while off duty in Louth, Lincolnshire, on June 1 2021.
Lawrie Elsdon-Dew, for protecting others during fierce fighting outside the British embassy in Sudan in April 2023, and Stacey Farrington and Jake Walker, who stopped a speeding car travelling the wrong way on a motorway using an ambulance.
The King’s Commendation for Bravery goes to Stephen Ellison, who rescued a stranger from a river in Chongqing, China, in November 2020.
Chhaganlal Jagaita, who helped people out of a burning hotel in Mati, Greece, in July 2018, and Paul Martin, who intervened during a knife attack on April 14 2021, also receive recognition.