Heroic PC is Cumbria's nomination for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

1 July 2025

A heroic PC who dug an elderly man out of a collapsed house caused by a suspected gas explosion is Cumbria's nomination for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

PC Jack Thompson (pictured middle) was recognised at the first ever Cumbria Police Federation Recognition Awards on Thursday night for his outstanding work and will now be the force's representative at the National Police Bravery Awards in July.

PC Thompson was at home off duty on New Year's Eve when an explosion rocked his house. He immediately ran outside and saw a terraced house about 100 metres away from his address had been devastated by an explosion.

Rubble was falling from the building; the roof having collapsed, and masonry was strewn in all directions covering cars and the surrounding street. He described the scene that met him as ‘chaos’.

Jack immediately ran into the property without any thought for his personal safety and located an elderly critically injured individual underneath a pile of rubble. He dug the man out and carried him from the house, which was still falling down around him.

He was also told there were others in the property, so he went back in, locating two more people on the first floor. He was unable to reach them as the staircase had been completely destroyed in the explosion.

Jack remained at the house to assist and guide other emergency service colleagues as they arrived at the scene. He offered reassurance to the other two individuals still trapped inside until they were rescued, only returning home once they were all safe.

His prompt actions at the scene were imperative to allow the injured member of the public to obtain swift medical care and contributed to the safety of the other people left in the building and surrounding area.

Cumbria Police Federation Chair Ed Russell said: “Jack's actions display the very best characteristics of what it means to be a police officer. When you first join the job, you invariably hear the old adage of ‘a good cop is never off duty’ and his actions that day are a testament to this.

“Not only were his actions brave, but he also didn’t hesitate. Jack put others’ lives and safety before his own, and this selfless heroism is the reason he was selected for this award.”

Temp Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “Jack showed remarkable courage, whilst off-duty, placing himself in danger, selflessly helping people who had been affected by the explosion.

“He ran into a property, which had been extensively damaged, and located the occupant, who he removed to safety. He then assisted the emergency services to locate and reassure other people who had been trapped on the first floor of the property.

“I am extremely proud of him for his ‘quick thinking’ and bravery. The recognition from the Police Federation for his actions is well deserved and very much appreciated.”

Jack is pictured receiving his Award on Thursday night from Temp ACC Mick Bird and our Conduct Lead Paul McMillan.

The Awards were in association with Axon.

Also sponsoring the Awards were the Cumbria Police Group Insurance Scheme, Slater & Gordon, Uniform Mortgages, No1 Copperpot Credit Union, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Accord, National Police Healthcare Scheme, Police Friendly, and Philip Williams.