PC commended for saving unconscious woman on first shift

PC Luke Gamman revived the woman, who was found in Rochford train station, while under the tutelage of PC John Skingsley, who also received an award. It is thought that without the officers’ actions the woman would have died. 

“I was pretty nervous anyway because it was my first day, but the training kicked in and we managed to help the lady regain consciousness,” said PC Gamman. “I’m just pleased that we were able to help.”

Several other police officers were also commended for saving the lives of members of public.

Sergeant Ben Woollard, stationed in Basildon, was off duty playing a football match in Rochford when another player collapsed with a suspected heart attack. Sgt Woollard performed CPR to keep him alive until paramedics arrived.

Another officer, Grays Sgt Lee Stannard, was commended for dealing with a man who had a knife and was intent on causing himself harm.

Four Shoebury officers – Sgt Tracey Butt and PCs David Gardiner, Tracey Cornish and Sharon Blaxland – saved the life of a woman who had suffered a suspected heart attack in the back of a taxi.

Three Grays PCs – Christopher Lodge, James Shelton and Edward Stretton – brought a woman back down to safety from fencing across the Dartford River Crossing. Two Billericay Community Support Officers (CSOs) – Christopher Higginson and Clare Boreham – stopped a man from trying to hang himself in woodland.

Four Southend PCs – Anthony Brackett, Blake Sanders, Luke Williams and Lindsay Wigington – tried to save a Westcliff man who was trying to take his own life. They gave him CPR until paramedics arrived, but he sadly later died.

Mr Kavanagh described the officers as “truly brave, truly remarkable” and said their “tremendous acts” represented “British policing at its finest”.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Lindsay Whitehouse thanked all of those commended on behalf of the people of Essex.

“Ordinarily my role is to hold Essex Police to account – today I want to hold you to account for your hard work, your bravery, for your good judgement, your commitment, your support and the work that you do to keep the people of Essex safe,” he said.