TWO police officers who risked their lives to save a suicidal man have been recognised for their bravery.
PC Samuel Van Den Broek, who is from Amesbury, and PC Kathryn Dixon from Swindon, plunged into the freezing cold waters of a storm drain to rescue a man who was threatening to drown himself.
When officers arrived at the incident in Rodbourne, Swindon, on March 27, the man had been in the water for around 45 minutes and there were fears he may have hypothermia.
The officers began talking to him and reassuring his family, despite the man subjecting them to a torrent of verbal abuse. Firefighters asked for the officers’ help in rescuing the man as they feared for their safety due to his aggressive manner.
PC Van Den Broek and PC Dixon took the plunge, while other officers distracted his attention.
PC Van Den Broek's award citation reads: “In recognition of his great resilience and actions in entering the freezing water, PC Van Den Broek is hereby awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation which, with the rapid signs of deterioration, prevented a potential fatality.”
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