Brave officers in line for award

7 December 2021

Four Derbyshire police officers who risked their lives to rescue a woman from a treacherous stretch of the River Derwent are attending the Police Federation’s Police Bravery Awards 2021 in London this week.

PCs Joshua Dales, Richard Deakin, Max Freeman and an officer we cannot name have been nominated for an award in recognition of their life-saving actions.

They will join fellow nominees from across England and Wales at the awards ceremony in the capital on Thursday (9 December).

The officers’ citation said the woman was spotted in the river, which has dangerous underwater currents, close to a deep weir on 20 April 2020.

“The water coming over the weir has been described as acting like a washing machine and is extremely dangerous,” said Tony Wetton, chair of Derbyshire Police Federation.

“The female was also close to a sluice which leads to turbine blade and she and the officers could have been dragged into the sluice.

“The officers entered the water to help her but at first she resisted their rescue attempts and actually tried to move further across the weir before being pulled to the side and rescued.”

Tony has praised the officers, three of whom are based at St Mary’s Wharf Police Station in the city, while one is based on the Uniform Task Force within Operations Division.

“I’ve nothing but admiration for the brave actions of our colleagues in successfully rescuing this lady in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances,” he said.

“They put themselves in harm’s way to save and protect others, despite the risks involved. They’re very worthy nominees and we wish them good luck for the awards evening.”

PC Deakin has 13 years’ service, PC Freeman has five years’ service and PC Dales has been with the Force for three years.