Helicopter
Unit Recognised at Police Bravery Awards
Members of the joint Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Police Helicopter Unit have recently been named three of Britain's bravest
in the Police Bravery Awards organised by the Police Federation in partnership
with The Sun newspaper. Constable Graham Fish, Sergeant Ian Worthington
and Captain Eric Church attended the 13th Police Bravery Awards in London
on Thursday, 10th July 2008.
It
was on 2nd July 2007 that the police helicopter responded to a report
there was a person floating down river. While the pilot, Captain Church,
carefully positioned the helicopter, these two brave police officers attempted
to rescue an elderly woman from drowning in the River Derwent. Fearing
that the woman would go under at any moment the officers jumped from the
helicopter into the fast flowing river. Undoubtedly the heroic and skilful
actions of all the officers saved the life of this woman.
Nominees attended a reception at 10 Downing Street to meet Prime Minister
Gordon Brown before the glittering evening award ceremony attended by
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and a host of celebrities.
Derbyshire Police Federation Chairman Duncan Davis and Chief Constable
Mick Creedon were at the Dorchester Hotel to see them collect their awards.
After the ceremony Mr Creedon said, 'I was very proud, first to be a British
police officer but also to be alongside you as your Chief whilst you got
fully deserved further recognition.'
