Police Bravery Awards 2009 - Jill Dando Award Winner: Local hero pulls trapped cops from blazing squad car

16 July 2009

 

A local Hertfordshire man who saved the lives of two police officers trapped in their burning squad car has received the prestigious Jill Dando Award at a ceremony in London tonight. The award, given at the Police Bravery Awards, is given to recognise incredible acts of heroism by members of the public.

John Farley received the award at a glittering award ceremony organised by the Police Federation and The Sun newspaper at The Dorchester Hotel which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where he and 60 police nominees met the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

The incident unfolded when police were alerted to reports of a vehicle being driven erratically and two officers set out to investigate. It wasn’t long before the vehicle in question was careering towards the officers on the same side of the road. The two officers were unable to avert a collision.

Moments later Mr Farley who was driving his HGV came upon the accident site. The cop car by now was up in flames and the two officers, both injured were trapped inside. Mr Farley approached the burning car and helped drag one of the officers out through a smashed window. The other officer, with a broken leg, was still inside the vehicle and Mr Farley went back to rescue him once he had secured the other officer away from danger. In this rescue he kept the second officers legs straight as he helped manoeuvre him through the window. In doing this ensuring no further injury was caused.

Mr Farley then approached the other car which was smoking but due to the damage was unable to assist the occupants. The driver of the vehicle sadly died at the scene but the passenger was taken to the hospital by the paramedics.

The Coroner, Mr Thomas said at the inquest that Mr Farley had acted without any thought for his own safety in approaching the car without knowing whether it was about to blow up. “Time and again people drive past…what he [Mr Farley] did was amazing.”

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, Paul McKeever says:

“Mr Farley showed astonishing bravery and his actions undoubtedly saved the lives of the two officers. Mr Farley is a deserved winner of this award. His actions are a tremendous example of heroism and selfless compassion for those around you.”

Editor of The Sun newspaper, Rebekah Wade says:

“The Sun is very proud of our association with the Police Bravery Awards and it is an honour for us to have the opportunity to recognise the bravery of John Farley.  He showed immense courage and there is no doubt his actions saved the lives of these two officers.  He is a very worthy winner of this special award.”

Organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales, in partnership with The Sun Newspaper, the glittering awards ceremony followed a reception at number 10 Downing Street where all bravery nominees and the Dando winner met the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and the new Home Secretary, Alan Johnson.

Notes to Editor:

Jill Dando was a BBC journalist who was shot dead on the doorstep of her London home in April 1999. The award is given in her memory to members of the public who perform acts of incredible bravery.

For further information contact Lorna Carmichael at The Sun on 07836 340423.

 

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