Page 10 - WMPF Federation Dec-Jan 2021_Neat

Police Bravery Awards 2020

Baby Autumn

makes it to

Downing Street

When Autumn Buka grows up she will have
interesting stories to tell.
At just six-days-old, she was perhaps
the youngest guest ever at No 10 Downing
Street, and maybe the only baby to be
breastfed in Margaret Thatcher’s study.
Her Mum, Holly Necchi, was unsure if
she would make the twice postponed
Police Bravery Awards 2020. Autumn was
actually due on the day before the awards,
so when she arrived a week early it was still
touch and go as to whether Holly could
make the trip to London.
“I rang the Federation chair, Jon Nott, a
few days after Autumn arrived and it was
agreed that my parents would come down
to London with me and my husband, Rich,
so that they could look after her while I was
at the awards,” Holly explained.
“As Rich and I took Autumn into
Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police Federation at the time, outside the gates to No 10
with PC Paul Newman and PC Holly Necchi. Downing Street, we were asked if we
needed anything and I just said all I needed
2021, honoured 93 officers from 42 forces. nominees. They deserve every bit of was somewhere to feed her. I wasn’t really
The overall national winner was PC Stuart recognition they receive.” expecting to be shown Margaret Thatcher’s
Outten from the Metropolitan Police. Earlier in the day, all the bravery awards study so that was all very surreal.
He suffered multiple stab wounds and nominees attended a Downing Street “But Autumn was quite happy, I carried
skull fractures, but managed to use his Taser reception hosted by Home Secretary Priti her in a sling and she was given a little pat
to disable an attacker who was armed with a Patel, with Holly and her husband being on the head by the Home Secretary Priti
machete. In the horrific attack, he suffered accompanied by her six-day-old daughter Patel who had a chat with us about how
six deep wounds to his head, skull fractures, Autumn, who proved to be a very popular she was doing. It’s quite strange to think
and two wounds to his arm and multiple late addition to the guest list. that Autumn met the Home Secretary
finger fractures. Holly’s due date was the day before the before she met one of her grandfathers as
John Apter, national chair of the Police awards, which had been delayed due to the Rich’s Dad hadn’t been able to see her at
Federation of England and Wales, said: “We pandemic, but when baby Autumn arrived that point.”
have the finest police officers in the world - early, her parents decided to take her along, During the evening awards, Autumn
dedicated public servants who, without feeling that it was a once in a life-time was left safely in the care of her
hesitation, put themselves in danger to opportunity to attend the event. grandparents and Holly was able to pop to
protect others. “The fact that Autumn was able to the hotel room for feeds.
“They are humble, professional and attend too just made the whole thing extra “I was a bit anxious leaving her as she
committed individuals who I am proud to special and I think everyone, including the was only days old, but being able to go up
call my colleagues. Police officers are Home Secretary, was delighted to welcome and check helped me relax,” says Holly, “So I
everyday heroes who are anything but her to Downing Street,” said Jon, “I am sure was talking to the Chief Constable about
ordinary. My congratulations go to PC Holly will tell her all about her special the incident one minute and then going
Outten and all the Police Bravery Awards appearance at the awards in years to come.” back to Autumn the next.”
Holly said she totally enjoyed the
evening, and particularly catching up with
Paul who she had barely seen since the
incident for which they were nominated for
the awards.
The two brave officers are on different
shifts and Holly has also had time away
from work as she gave birth to her son
Joseph (Joey) 18 months ago.
“It was really good to talk to Paul and
he and his family have since been to see us,
bringing a present for Autumn too,” said
John Apter, national chair of the Federation, Home Secretary Priti Patel presented one of Holly.
addresses guests at the awards evening. the awards.

10 federation December 2021/January 2022 www.polfed.org/westmids