An off duty policeman and a member of the public have received the Certificate of Merit at Chief Constable’s Awards for saving the life of a woman in Ramsgate.
The awards took place on Tuesday (November 21) at the Kent Police College.
In July off duty Police Constable David Saunders, from the Medway Local Policing Team, and member of the public Fiona Turner helped find a missing woman, with officers concerned for her welfare.
While on duty PC Saunders attempted to speak with the woman using a mobile phone but did not receive a response until he was off duty. She stated she had taken a quantity of tablets but would not disclose her location.
He kept her on the phone for 40 minutes and while this was going on Fiona Turner called 999 to pass on crucial information.
Between them they established she was staying at a hotel in Ramsgate and the woman was convinced to leave her door slightly open so that ambulance crews could enter. She was then taken to a local hospital to treatment and received support from mental health services.
At the ceremony Alan Pughsley, Chief Constable of Kent Police, said: “I am extremely proud of these officers and staff who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication.
‘Their endeavours show the different and complex challenges my officers overcome on a daily basis, not only to bring offenders to justice but also safeguard vulnerable people.
“It is worth noting that these are however just a few examples of the outstanding work ethic and commitment I see from all of my officers and staff on a daily basis. It is these traits that help us secure positive outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott was guest of honour at the ceremony.