Four West Midlands Police Officers, who calmed down a distressed man – threatening to jump from a bridge, have been recognised by the Chief Constable for their quick-thinking actions.
Police Community Support Officer John Link was the first to arrive and found the man, who had one arm in a sling, sitting on the wrong side of the ledge in the heavy rain.
PCSO Link immediately tried to speak with the man and build up a rapport, he was joined shortly after by Inspector Steve Gordon and the pair spent over an hour trying to engage with him.
The man’s condition was quickly deteriorating and he began to drift in and out of consciousness. Concerned by his precarious position on the bridge PCSO Link held onto him and was joined by Inspector Jamie Hobday as they feared that the man would fall off.
Sergeant Rob Simpson then decided to use a belt to tie around the man’s chest in a bid to hold him safely until help arrived.
The three officers held on for several minutes until they were joined by specialist fire colleagues and paramedics who were able to lift the now unconscious man over the bridge and to safety.
The officers attended a ceremony at Tally Ho! on Tuesday 6th September where they were presented with Chief Constable’s Awards by Chief Constable Dave Thompson.
Sergeant James Harrison, who nominated the officers, said: “I am under no illusion without the brave and quick-thinking action by all involved there was a strong likelihood that the man would have slipped from the ledge and would have been seriously injured or killed.
“The officers put the needs of a vulnerable member of our community ahead of their of safety and were able to draw this incident to a safe conclusion.”
Pictured left to right: Sgt Rob Simpson, Insp Jamie Hobday, Chief Constable Dave Thompson, Insp Steve Gordon, PCSO John Link
