Seven Essex Police officers commended for bravery

ESSEX Police have awarded seven officers with a Chief Constable’s commendation, recognising their professionalism and bravery for the force.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh opened the ceremony.

He said: “The officers here today represent the best of British policing. Each officer acted without hesitation and their quick thinking has saved lives.

“Saving a life is a remarkable thing to do and I’m proud of each and every one of you today.”

Sgt Paul Gooding from Chelmsford received a commendation for his dedication and professionalism when attending an incident in August 2016 where a woman, suffering from mental illness, was on the top floor of a multi-storey car park and threatening to jump.

Paul slowly approached the woman and after calmly engaging with her, he was able to build a good rapport with her and helped her climb back to safety.

Sgt Benjamin Felton from Maldon was commended for his quick-thinking and bravery that helped him to save a woman’s life.

In February 2017, Benjamin was called to an incident in Maldon where a woman was stuck in the mud in a river. Without hesitation, Sgt Felton entered the water, putting himself in danger and started to dig out the mud trapping the woman.

He carried on digging until the arrival of colleagues in the fire service and together, they were able to free the woman.

Dc Glen Crosby from Southend also received a commendation for his quick-thinking and bravery that helped him to save a man’s life.

Glen attended an incident at a court in Southend where a security guard had collapsed and was not breathing.

Glen immediately commenced CPR until the arrival of an ambulance crew. He was praised by paramedics who stated that his quick actions undoubtedly saved the man’s life.

Four officers received commendations for their dedication and professionalism when dealing with a road traffic collision in the North of Essex. Sgt Simon Bentley and PC James Clift from Stansted Airport arrived at the scene at the same time as two other officers and the four worked together to cut a man free from the wreckage and immediately commenced CPR.

Thanks to the officers’ quick actions, the man recovered following extensive surgery.