National Police Bravery Award

In this day and age there is far too many negative stories being reported. Stabbings in London galore for instance. And sadly, a stabbing of our own in Handbridge a couple of weeks ago. I try to avoid too much negative stuff if I can. That’s not to say I dismiss them. I just think it’s an alternative release to write about and to read about more positive things on here. There’s plenty of doom and gloom elsewhere if you want to read about it. On that note – National Police Bravery Award.

National Police Bravery Award

How many people go to work and go through the motions and do the bare minimum required of them to fulfil their duties? A lot I would imagine. That’s not a bad thing necessarily and I’m not passing judgement at all. Each to their own as they say.

Equally “each to their own” are the situations where people go over and above the call of duty. Fair do’s to them. Even more so when their actions actually put their own lives in danger in an attempt to save another’s life. The phrase “fair do’s” doesn’t really cover it does it.

So, as far as going way over the call of duty, take a step forward two Cheshire Police officers. PC’s Richard Connelly and Lee Brown have been nominated for the prestigious National Police Bravery Award.

National Bravery Award – PC Connelly

On 31st March last year, a woman was dangerously perched on top of some railings on the Handbridge Suspension Bridge. At the scene were PC’s Connelly and Brown, along with other colleagues.

It became clear that the lady intended to harm herself. And sure enough she plunged into the ice waters.

As soon as she entered the water it was evident that she was in trouble. PC Connelly didn’t hesitate when he realised how serious the situation was. He entered the water himself and managed to get to her and keep her head above water.

It was at this point though that the rope attached to PC Connelly snapped. This of course placed PC Connelly and the woman is serious trouble.

National Bravery Award – PC Brown

As the situation was now recognised as life threatening for both, PC Brown sprung into action. He managed to wade into the deep water and forcibly pull the woman and his colleague to safety.

The woman was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia. However, she has now made a full recovery.

The River Dee is notoriously fast flowing in places and like all rivers it was icy cold. To literally dive into the unknown was way, way above the call of duty. These two PC’s deserve so much more than a “thank you”, although of course a “thank you” is a start.

It was a clear message that Police officers are more than crime fighters. A very special well done from me at Chester Lifestyle and I’m sure there are many, many Chester residents who will echo this appreciation.

Award Ceremony Next Week

Both PC’s have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Award. And rightly so. The award ceremony is being held in London next week – 18th July.

For the record, a National Police Bravery Award is awarded to honour officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty. I think it’s fair to say that our PC’s have done that in spade loads.

There’s not much more you can say in terms of thanks and immense appreciation for their actions. I don’t know them but it wouldn’t surprise me if they both humbly saw the situation as “just doing our job”. No, it wasn’t guys. It was much more than that. Hope you enjoy the awards ceremony and go on to enjoy a very successful and enjoyable career in the Police force. We salute you both.

NB: Just a thought. There are others that also go the extra mile. Hmmm…..just a thought I’m having. I may just start up a separate, special category for these local heroes and heroines. Call it something like “They Do Us Proud” or something like that.

Chester Lifestyle

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Things To Do In Chester

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