Rescued woman overjoyed at officers’ bravery award win

21 July 2024

The woman saved from drowning in her submerged car by three West Mercia Police Federation members says she is ‘thrilled’ for her rescuers after they won at the 2024 national Police Bravery Awards.

Having found out that PC Tom Simmonds, Sergeant Lee Baker and Sergeant Shannon Murphy had won the Region 3 Award, Annie Nisbet said she was ‘absolutely delighted’.

“I was overjoyed to hear they had won,” she said. “As I have previously said, I believe there cannot be enough recognition for what they did for me that day. It is marvellous to know their courage has been acknowledged.”

The three officers were nominated for the award after pulling Annie out of her car as it rapidly sank in floodwater at a ford in Bow Brook, Worcestershire last year. Annie had stopped before the swamped ford and intended to reverse away when her car was swept up by water.

Human chain

In a race against time, during which Annie revealed she had given up hope of survival, officers arrived and surrounded the car. Tom attempted to smash the rear window of the sinking vehicle, with Lee and Shannon, along with three other officers forming a human chain to retrieve Annie.

At the front of the ‘human chain’ was Lee, who managed to smash the driver window and rescue Annie through it.

Annie Nisbet.

“Lee was so reassuring. I felt safe,” Annie continued, “And once Shannon pulled me onto the bank, she was so very kind to me.”

After recovering from the traumatic incident, Annie turned her attention to a campaign for the heroic cops to be publicly recognised.

Inspiration

She explained why she was so keen for this to happen: “Not only were they outrageously brave at the expense of their own lives, but I wanted to bring to light the level of courage and dedication shown by these officers. So often the media coverage of the police is so negative, and people have a very negative view of the police force – and that needs to change.

“There needs to be more positive stories about the police in the news. I would love the community to hear this story.”

Annie has a last message for her rescuers: “Again, I would just like to say thank you is just not enough.  Congratulations on your well-deserved achievements and success. You’re an inspiration to the public you serve, to your families - and to me. This accolade is a reflection of your excellence in your field.”