BRAVE@HEART AWARD FOR LOCAL POLICE OFFICER
Written by author on October 10, 2014
The everyday bravery and commitment of Police Officers from across Scotland was recognised last night at the Scottish Government’s Brave@Heart awards.
Celebrating exceptional acts of bravery, the Brave@Heart awards give special recognition to staff from the “blue lights services” and members of the public who have saved lives often at risk to their own.
Thirteen Police Scotland Officers were recognised for their acts of bravery which included rescuing people from burning buildings, saving people threatening to take their own lives and rescuing a boy from a dangerous dog.
Congratulating the award winners, Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, said:
“The Brave@Heart awards are an important recognition of the work of our officers. Policing is a highly valued public service – we exist to serve the public and to keep people safe. I am pleased that the excellent work of so many Police Scotland officers has been recognised for their commitment to their duty and their communities at these awards.
“Everyday policing often presents difficult, dangerous and challenging situations for our officers. I would like to pay tribute to all our police officers and staff who day in, day out, show continued professionalism and dedication to keeping people safe.”
Vic Emery, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority added:
“Every police officer who takes the oath of office does so knowing that they are taking on a role in life that is based upon taking a step forward, and not a step back. These awards demonstrate that in doing so, police officers make a huge contribution to changing the course of individual lives, often at moments of crisis with potentially desperate consequences, as well as supporting the wider confidence and resilience of our communities.”
The Police Scotland Award winners from Police Scotland (West) were:
Constable Cameron Morton, Dumbarton Police Station
Constable Cameron Morton attended a top floor flat fire while on patrol alone. Despite the thick black smoke issuing from the building, Morton immediately entered the building and made his way upstairs without fear of his own safety. He located the elderly resident who was suffering from smoke inhalation and after rescuing him from the building, confirmed no others in the building. Thanks to the prompt and decisive actions of this brave constable the elderly gentleman was able to make a full recovery.
Constable John Waters, Giffnock Police Station
Constable John Waters responded to a report of a 13 year boy being attacked by an Akita dog, and trapped within the living room of a friend’s house. The boy’s arm was already severely bitten and bleeding and the dog was standing over him. Assessing the immediate danger to the boy Constable Waters repeatedly distracted the dog so the frightened boy could escape. The dog was contained in the living room until a vet could attend. Waters’ courage and determination saved the boy from a potentially catastrophic attack.
Constable Steven Callaghan and Constable Barry Connor, Ayr Police Station
While firefighters attended a building on fire, constables Steven Callaghan and Barry Connor entered the adjoining building to evacuate residents. The elderly resident of the top flat required a stair lift, however, the power had failed making it unusable. Fire from the adjacent property was now moving rapidly through the loft space causing a sky light to explode with flames blocking their escape route. Appraising colleagues of their situation via radio, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus assisted the two officers in the rescue. These two constables put the welfare of the elderly lady before their own, with their prompt and fearless intervention.
Special Constable Scott Costley, Dumfries Police Station,
Special Constable Scott Costley was on foot patrol when a passing motorist reported a young female was about to jump from the Cree Bridge. Finding the woman already hanging by both hands, Costley grabbed her wrists and held fast despite her struggling and continually saying she wanted to end her life. Support arrived on scene and they managed to hoist the young woman to safety. The swift actions of this special constable, despite the real risk to himself, stopped this young woman from jumping or falling into the river, with potentially fatal consequences.
Constable Tonianne Ewart, Baird Street Police Station
Constable Tonianne Ewart arrived at a Glasgow multi-storey car park where a man, was threatening to jump from the top floor. As officers reached the man he suddenly pushed himself from the ledge. Without consideration for her own safety Ewart grabbed the man’s clothing and held on. To get a better grip of the approx. 6’4’’, 18 stones man, she stretched over the barrier causing her feet to leave the ground. More officers arrived and pulled the man and Ewart to safety. Thanks to her high level of fitness, bravery and determination PC Ewart prevented this man from taking his own life.
