Yahoo News Brave Plymouth police officer who confronted Keyham gunman on King’s first gallantry list
An unarmed Devon and Cornwall police officer who sprinted towards the Keyham gunman to try and prevent more harm being causes has been included on the King’s first Civilian Gallantry List.
During the five-week long inquest into the deaths of Sophie Martyn, her father Lee, Stephen Washington, Maxine Davison and Kate Shepherd, who all died on August 12, 2021, the court heard from a number of witnesses, including Pc Zach Printer, a former Royal Marine, armed response officer and roads policing officer.
Mr Printer, who retired from the force in February 2022 and now works as a police enquiry officer at Crownhill police station in Plymouth, explained to the court in great detail, and often taking pause to control his voice, how he and his colleague Pc Graham Temple, headed to the scene of the shootings.
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Mr Printer and his colleague went to the aid of one of the victims and were then confronted with the gunman. Mr Printer described the man as large built, in shorts and a T-shirt "carrying a shotgun", saying he knew exactly what it was due to his past firearms experience.
Speaking firmly in the coroner's court at Exeter racecourse in February last year, Mr Printer, who lives in Plymouth, said with emphasis: "I got up. I started to run towards him. I shouted 'stand still!' My thoughts were to protect the public. I need to protect my colleagues. Also, I needed to protect Jake. He'd obviously gone through a massive trauma because of what had happened that day and if I got closer I may have been able to negotiate and talk him down."
Battling to control his voice, Mr Printer told the jury at the inquest he got 20m away from Davison who by this point had placed the shotgun under his own chin. Mr Printer said he "sprinted to Jake", but his injuries were "unsurvivable". During the inquest, senior coroner Ian Arrow heard from witnesses who had said the officer appeared to try and keep Davison's attention on him.
Asked why he tried to confront the gunman, despite being unarmed himself Mr Printer said there were still members of the public in Henderson Place before adding "my role as a police officer is to protect the public as best I can. I had no choice. I had to confront him to protect the public, so I had to become the focus of his attention and also save two firearms officers from having to shoot him."
A police representative told the inquest that as a result of this incident and the issues raised by Mr Printer over first aid equipment, there were now steps being taken by the force, "due to your efforts". Just a few days after the inquest heard the evidence of Mr Printer, Mr Arrow paused the hearing to say that following the testimony he had heard he had had "opportunity to reflect".
He said: "Nobody who listened to the evidence on Friday could not be moved by the testimony of Zach Printer. The reasons he gave for his actions were in the finest traditions of public servants. It was his thought for others that prompted his action. His care for Kate, the public, his police colleagues and Jake. He deserves a coroner's commendation. That is the highest accolade a coroner can bestow. I will be making arrangements for him to receive such a commendation in due course."
However, it has been revealed today that Mr Printer is among a select handful of people who have been bestowed with the King’s Gallantry Medal, which acknowledges exemplary acts of bravery.
The Cabinet Office's commendation to HM The King stated how "PC Printer’s selfless and brave actions confronting the assailant prevented further harm to members of the public."
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: "It is impossible not to be moved by the stories of those receiving the gallantry awards today. Their acts of bravery have saved lives in impossible circumstances. I commend them on what they have done and congratulate them for receiving this honour."
Mr Printer, now 64-years-old, was first told in March this year that a recommendation for the King's Gallantry Medal 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."
Mr Printer 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."
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