Essex officers commended for bravery and courageousness

A NUMBER of Essex Police officers have been awarded commendations for their actions of bravery and courageousness.

The commendations were awarded by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington in a special ceremony in Chelmsford at Essex Police Headquarters.

Amongst the officers honoured were PC Samantha Claxton, PC Daniel Brain, PC Paul Levene, PC Ross Evins and PC Johnathan McDonald.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “It always brings me great pleasure to host these ceremonies to celebrate ordinary individuals taking extra-ordinary steps to help save the lives of others, protect the vulnerable and keep the people of Essex safe.

“It might be what our officers, staff and volunteers do on a daily basis but their actions are courageous and I take great pride in being able to award them.”

PC Samantha Claxton and PC Daniel Brain were commended after they attended an address of a woman who was intent on harming herself.

They managed to gain access to the property, discovering the woman with serious injuries. They provided life-saving first aid whilst they waited for an ambulance to arrive at the scene.

PC Paul Levene and PC Ross Evins were recognised for their work alongside a member of the public to help an elderly man who had collapsed at the wheel of his car. The duo assisted in performing CPR which ultimately helped save the man’s life.

Also amongst the honourees was PC Johnathan McDonald, who was one of the first on scene at a fatal road traffic collision in September 2018.

Johnathan was praised for his professionalism and courage, performing CPR on a man with serious injuries for over 40 minutes in order to try and save his life. Despite Johnathan’s best efforts the man sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Jane Gardener, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was also in attendance at the ceremony and said: “It’s a privilege to be here to pass on my thanks on behalf of the public.”