Police Bravery Awards 2008 - Region 2 Winner - Humberside officer Mark Thompson
STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 10 PM THURSDAY JULY 10
NO APPROACH TO BE MADE TO WINNING OFFICER BEFORE 10PM
Humberside officer scoops regional bravery award
A Humberside officer courageously pulled two men from a blazing house fire.
PC Mark Thompson clinched the title at The Dorchester on 10th July in the presence of Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith and a host of celebrities.
The annual awards are organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and sponsored by The Sun Newspaper.
The officer received one of eight regional awards at the glittering award ceremony which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where he, and 64 other nominees, met the Prime Minister.
PC Mark Thompson noticed a house on fire whilst on mobile patrol in March 2007.
On closer inspection, the officer saw that the roof of the semi detached house was ablaze.
Following enquiries with local residents, Constable Thompson quickly established that a father and son were inside the property, even although the house was in complete darkness. Both father and son were physically and mentally disabled.
The fire quickly took hold of the house and Constable Thompson entered the inferno, with no regard for his own safety.
He found the younger man in a disorientated state, standing in the hallway and managed to drag him out safely. The man told the officer that his father was still inside and without any hesitation, the officer re-entered the burning house. As the roof collapsed around him and despite being in complete darkness, he located the second man in the rear bedroom.
The man was in severe shock and unable to move but the officer succeeded in bringing him to safety. Once both men were safe and whilst waiting on an ambulance, the officer proceeded to evacuate neighbouring properties.
Constable Thompson risked his own life to successfully rescue father and son.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation which organises the Police Bravery Awards, said:
“This officer deserves the utmost praise for putting the lives of others before his own. This officer is a credit to the police service. We hope this award goes some way towards recognising his heroic actions.”
Editor of The Sun Newspaper Rebekah Wade said:
“This police officer faced a terrifying and unpredictable situation. They showed extraordinary bravery in tackling such violent offenders despite knowing one of their colleagues had been shot. Their selfless courage deserves the highest praise and it is an honour for The Sun to have this opportunity to recognise the dedication of such heroic officers.”
NOTE TO EDITORS
For further details, or to arrange an interview with Mark Thompson, call Steve Garmston on 01482 653480. No approach should be made before 10 pm.
A video reconstruction and footage of the Downing Street reception and awards ceremony is available from 9am on Friday 11th July by calling Lorna Carmichael on 020 7782 4322.
Photographs of the nominees with the Prime Minister will be available at 9.00 am on Friday 13th July from the Sun picture desk. Contact Adrian Smith on 020 7782 4199.
For further information contact: Rachel Barnet/Una Carney at the Police Federation on 0137 235 2071 or Lorna Carmichael at the Sun Newspaper on 07836 340423.
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