Wiltshire officer scoops South West regional Police Bravery award
09 July 2010
A heroic officer from Wiltshire has tonight received the South West regional award for his brave actions at the 15th annual Police Bravery Awards in London, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and The Sun Newspaper.
The award was received at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where the officer along with the 57 other nominees, met the Prime Minister, David Cameron and Home Secretary, Theresa May.
PC Tom Kinderman was out on single patrol when he was called to the scene of a car crash. The vehicle had skidded on ice and crashed into a river.
On arrival at the scene PC Kinderman found the vehicle submerged on its roof with only the rear passenger window showing. A member of the public was already down at the bank and had smashed the visible window. He was lying on his stomach reaching into the car and holding on to the female driver’s hand. The woman, who was conscious, had managed to free herself from the seatbelt and was able to keep her face above water level. However, her feet were trapped by the pedals and the water was rising in the submerged car.
PC Kinderman dived into the water and, as the water continued to rise, the woman lost consciousness and he feared she would drown in the freezing river. The officer managed to crawl in to the car through the smashed window and set about freeing her trapped feet. PC Kinderman managed to pull the female towards him, through the narrow gap between the seats, into the rear of the car and finally out of the window to the river bank. In order for the woman to breath he kept her head above water throughout the entire rescue.
PC Kinderman then carried the unconscious woman up the bank to a nearby field where he was met by the ambulance team, who took over caring for her.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales says:
“PC Kinderman deserves the highest praise for his incredible bravery and courage rescuing the woman from the trapped car. We hope this award goes some way towards recognising his heroic actions which are an example to us all.”
Editor of The Sun Newspaper Dominic Mohan says:
"PC Kinderman showed extraordinary courage and put his life before that of the young woman he saved. He deserves the highest praise for his selfless actions and we are honoured to recognise his bravery with this award."
ENDS
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