[A] Police Constable who waded into a river to save a vulnerable elderly woman has been commended for his actions.
Police Constable John Spriggs of Cumbria Constabulary received a Chief Constable’s Commendation at a ceremony in Penrith on 11 May 2017.
The commendation was in recognition of PC Spriggs’ actions on 8 September 2016 when his swift quick-thinking helped save the life of an elderly woman who had become stranded in the River Eamont, near Penrith.
PC Spriggs had attended the Rheged area following a report that an elderly woman suffering from dementia had left her carers and gone missing.
A report was received suggesting the woman may have gone into the river. Despite an unsuccessful initial search, PC Spriggs decided to wade into the water to continue looking.
The woman was located hanging onto a tree branch and PC Spriggs was able to rescue her and carry her back to the riverbank. Once out of the water, PC Spriggs began administering first aid as the woman lapsed in and out of consciousness, until paramedics arrived and she was taken to hospital.
Inspector Liz Salkeld said: “PC Spriggs’ determination and brave actions have undoubtedly saved the life of this vulnerable elderly lady. He is a credit to the police service and I am delighted his actions have been recognised by the Chief Constable.”
Police Constable Spriggs said: “There was a great emergency response to this incident with the fire service and paramedics attending and helping at the scene.
“I’m very proud to have received the commendation but I’m sure that I acted in the same way any of my colleagues would have acted in the same circumstances.”
