Praise for five who saved lives in Bristol harbour crash
COURAGEOUS police officers who risked their lives to save others have been given bravery awards by Avon and Somerset Police Authority.
PCs Karen Stenner, Victoria Hayward, Ryan O'Connell, Joab Gorin and Brett Stinchcombe all dived into the water of the Floating Harbour on October 20 after a BMW containing five people crashed through the railings of St Philip's Bridge in Passage Street and plunged into the chilly water.
Narmara Whisker, 23, was trapped in the submerged car and died.
But the officers' swift and brave efforts managed to save three women who had also been in the vehicle. When the 999 call came in, Trinity Road response officers PCs Stenner and Hayward were the first on the scene. Seeing the urgent rescue needed, they took off their body armour and dived in.
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PC Hayward had only finished her tutorship three weeks earlier and it was one of her first night shifts. She saved a woman who was hanging onto the boot of the car by tying a rope round her waist, before trying to get to Miss Whisker. Having helped save two women, PC Stenner also tried to save Miss Whisker.
Within a few minutes, PC O'Connell, from the roads policing unit arrived, climbed over the side of the bridge and dropped directly into the water. He swam over to a woman who was caught on the bumper of the car and managed to kick the bumper off and release it before dragging her to safety.
Meanwhile, PCs Gorin (The Bridewell) and Stinchcombe (Southmead) were on their way and once they arrived, they also jumped in.
By this time, Miss Whisker was still trapped in the car and PC Stinchcombe tried to break the windows with his baton, but failed.
All of the officers had to be treated for hypothermia, and PC Stenner suffered cuts during the rescue.
The officers got a warm round of applause at the police authority's last ever meeting on Wednesday,
Police authority chairman Dr Peter Heffer said: "Members were humbled to hear about the incidents and it was only right that these officers should be commended for their oustanding bravery.
"Instinctively, they risked their own life to save others. Their actions were remarkable and they are a true credit to this police service."
The officers were given a standing ovation by members and the constabulary's chief officers as they left the meeting.
The awards were launched earlier this year to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and are only awarded for exceptionally brave acts or courageous service.
Wednesday's meeting at police HQ in Portishead was the last time the police authority will give out the awards, as the police authority is being replaced by a Police and Crime Commissioner, who will be elected next Thursday.
Shennie Jaffer, 33, from Robertson Road, Easton, has been charged with causing Miss Whisker's death by dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving without insurance and driving a vehicle without a licence. Jaffer has not yet entered a plea at court.
Comments
by petefreak
Wednesday, November 14 2012, 3:53PM
“As this is a forum I'm entitled to my opinion and everyone I've spoke to friends and family actually agree with me and we shouldn't be given out medals for people doing their job. If I was there of course I would jump in.”
by lilmizz74
Sunday, November 11 2012, 10:20PM
“@petefreak
I wonder if you would feel the same If they had rescued a member if your family or infact you yourself???
It's all very well being so opinionated when using a keyboard.
Ask yourself... What would you of done if you had been in their situation?
Luckily for the people in the car it was these brave officers that turned up and not you!!
Well done to all the officers involved .. Definitely well deserving of the recognition of your bravery and quick thinking. Sadly a life was lost but it could of been worse.”
by redferryman1
Sunday, November 11 2012, 11:32AM
“petefreak
Cheap comment! Pity you, really! To go the effort to make such an unnecessary comment, speaks volumes about your rather sad personality!”
by Bristolexpat
Sunday, November 11 2012, 2:10AM
“@Peteyoufreak
It isn't a police officers "job" to dive into a filthy, freezing dock in the middle of the night to save people who have crashed due to a drunk, unlicensed, uninsured driver........
But they did it anyway.
Would you have done the same?
Nah, you'd probably just call the police and expect them to sort it out.........”
by Brizz_Tony
Saturday, November 10 2012, 8:56PM
“Petefreak: "Why do we keep handing out medals for people doing there job."
Firstly, it's "their" job;
Secondly, it isn't their job. It was over and above, and beyond the call of duty. People are alive today who wouldn't be but for the bravery of these men and women. Those medals should be the size of dustbin lids. If this is what our police force is like, we can certainly be proud of them.
I'm glad it was them on the spot, and not you.”
by petefreak
Saturday, November 10 2012, 8:23PM
“Why do we keep handing out medals for people doing there job. Waste of money IMO”
by FOX_Joe
Saturday, November 10 2012, 1:19PM
“Above and beyond. Well done guys.”
by redferryman1
Saturday, November 10 2012, 11:05AM
“Justly recognised for their bravery but under tragic circumstances”
by Mikey_Blake
Saturday, November 10 2012, 11:03AM
“Something like this happening completely restores my faith in the Police, after having recently encountered a jumped-up young Police Officer, who thought he knew better than an older fella like me, which rather put me off the Police for a while.
However you guys doing this and jumping in the freezing cold water were wonderful. I can't heap enough praise on you, and those awards were well-deserved.”
by taxpayerbris
Saturday, November 10 2012, 10:08AM
“Well done and thank you all, selfless and appreciated.”