Former Officer Honored by King for Confronting Keyham Gunman

The King has presented a bravery award to a former Devon and Cornwall Police officer who confronted the individual responsible for the 2021 shootings in Keyham, Plymouth. Zach Printer confronted gunman Jake Davison on 12 August 2021, mere minutes after Davison had fatally shot five individuals. While on duty and unarmed as a member of the force’s Roads Policing Team, he independently responded to the incident. Mr. Printer was included in the monarch’s inaugural Civilian Gallantry List and received the King’s Gallantry Medal (KGM) – an award bestowed upon civilians for exceptional acts of bravery – during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. Accompanied by his family, Mr. Printer, 64, a Plymouth resident and former Royal Marine, characterized the medal presentation as a “humbling and memorable” experience. During the ceremony, King Charles III engaged in conversation with Mr. Printer, his wife, and their three adult sons. Mr. Printer stated: “It went very well and was an awesome experience.” He added: “It was very humbling and a memorable day for my family. I’m immensely proud to have been part of it.” “I felt extremely honoured to have been presented the KGM by the King.” “The interest the King took in you as a person and in your family was really impressive.” Mr. Printer mentioned that upon receiving the award, he conveyed to the King his thoughts about his former colleagues, other first responders, and their contributions on 12 August 2021. He served over 17 years as a police constable in Devon and Cornwall, holding roles as a response officer, firearms officer, and roads policing officer. In 2022, he retired from front-line duties and currently serves as a Police Enquiry Officer at Crownhill Police Station. A commendation from the Cabinet Office declared: “PC Printer’s selfless and brave actions confronting the assailant prevented further harm to members of the public.” For updates from BBC Devon, follow on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.