DC Jessica Hanley

Jessica Hanley joined Dyfed-Powys Police in 2014 and was posted to Aberystwyth Police Station. She has spent most of her police career as a frontline uniformed response officer but Jess recently passed her National Investigators Exam and now works in the Criminal Investigation Department.

In the early hours of the morning on Wednesday 25th July 2018, Dyfed Powys Police received reports of a fire at The Belgrave Hotel situated on the promenade in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. People were reported as being trapped on the first and second floors and it was declared a major incident. PC Hanley was one of the first response police officers at the scene, and she showed exemplary bravery in entering the burning hotel with no thought for her own safety, to clear and evacuate guests trapped within the hotel - before the first Fire Service personnel arrived.

59 people from The Belgrave Hotel - and an adjoining hotel where the fire had spread – were rescued thanks to Jess’ quick thinking and calm professionalism. She also ensured the safety of a colleague who had become disorientated in the blaze.

The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire awarded Jess a Certificate of Bravery for her selfless and brave actions; and she has also received national recognition, being highly commended for her bravery by the British Association of Women in Policing.

Jess has received international recognition too, receiving the Bravery award at the International Association of Women in Policing Awards 2019.