Commendations for life saving team

ESSEX police officers were among six people commended for their bravery and dedication by Essex Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh.

Inspector Emma Matthews was awarded for her dedication, tenacity and professionalism in managing the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme for the force.

During her time with the scheme she recruited 70 Volunteer Cadet Leaders and more than 200 cadets –and its success has led it to being recognised as best practice for forces across the country.

Sergeant Sian Perry was commended for the role she played in saving the life of a motorcyclist who had been seriously injured in a road traffic accident.

Off duty paramedics Jenna Whitehead and John Marshall saw the smash and abandoned their pizza meal to treat the man who was seriously injured. He was lying next to his motorbike which had caught light.

Arriving on the scene, Sgt Perry administered emergency first aid and kept talking to the man as the two paramedics and doctors battled to save his life at the scene.

Jenna and John were also commended by CC Kavanagh at the ceremony alongside member of the public Sarah Radish, who talked a suicidal teenager down from a high precipice, and a brave 12 year-old who saw off a man who had assaulted his mum.

CC Kavanagh said; “Today’s commendations showed the dedication, bravery and compassion that makes Essex such a remarkable county.

“From teenagers saving lives to off-duty paramedics sacrificing a hard-earned meal for one more job to police officers giving leadership and purpose to young lives, days like these make me incredibly proud.”