Two Carlisle men have been recognised for their bravery after they tracked down a kidnapped toddler.
Curtis Goddard and Scott Williamson were given silver awards at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards.
They tracked down the kidnapped toddler and reuniting her safely with her family.
On September 9 last year, a man entered a property in Thomson Street, Carlisle, assaulted a grandfather and made off with his granddaughter.
Upon hearing the commotion, Goddard and Williamson immediately carried out an area search and swiftly located the child on nearby Howe Street.
The child was quickly reunited with her grandfather with no injuries caused to her.
Responding police officers quickly located the culprit and arrested him.
The subsequent police investigation led to Andrzej Jasinski being jailed for three years and 10 months.
Chief Constable Rob Carden, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “I would like to congratulate both men on their bravery awards.
“Their selfless and brave actions led to a young child being quickly reunited with her family.
“This national recognition is thoroughly deserved and both men should be proud of themselves for what they did in response to a terrifying ordeal for those involved.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Curtis and Scott’s quick thinking and brave actions ensured that a local family didn’t have to go through an even more traumatic event. I can only imagine their relief when Curtis and Scott acted as they did.
“I know the family are incredibly grateful to them.
“I spoke with both Curtis and Scott at the awards ceremony and listened to their, and others, incredible tales of public bravery.
“What I heard and the ordinary, brave people I met humbled me. It is one thing to be a police officer, trained and expected to run towards danger, it is entirely another thing to act selflessly as a member of the public witnessing something truly awful. They represent the best of us in that respect and do our county proud.
“I want to congratulate both men, thank you Curtis and Scott – these awards were highly deserved. I am proud to have met you.”
