Lifesavers recognised at Kent Chief Constable’s awards ceremony
Police officers and members of the public who go above and beyond in acts of heroism and bravery have been given awards
Life-saving police officers and members of the public have been recognised at the Kent Chief Constable's Awards.
The event, held at Kent Police College, recognised those who went above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of Kent including those who received certificates from the Royal Humane Society.
Among the award winners were:
PC Grant Strong and member of the public Alison Martin-Smith, who both gave first aid to a man after he fell unconscious on a bus in Gillingham in November 2024. The man had gone into cardiac arrest but regained a pulse and started to breathe again following their quick actions and the subsequent efforts of ambulance staff who arrived to take over.
Sergeant Robert Barrett and five other officers who saved the life of a man who had suffered self-inflicted injuries at an address in Maidstone in August 2024. PS Barrett provided first aid to the man and continuously spoke to him to ensure he remained conscious before he was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
Sergeant Martin Sharp who gave CPR and used a defibrillator on a man who collapsed whilst playing tennis in Gillingham in November 2024. PS Sharp was off-duty at the time but stayed with the man until an ambulance arrived and took him to hospital. It later transpired that he had suffered a heart attack, and that PS Sharp’s actions had undoubtedly saved his life.
PC Harriet Lewis who in her role as a family liaison officer (FLO) was recognised for her professionalism, compassion and dedication whilst engaging with the worried parents of a missing child from Medway. It was PC Lewis’ first deployment as an FLO and she worked tirelessly to gain the full trust of the family, who later received the happy news that their child had been safely located.
Member of the public Shannon O’Donnell, who gave CPR to her uncle when he collapsed at her home in Chatham in August 2024. She was then assisted by fellow award recipient Special Constable Laura Meeks from the Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service Joint Response Unit, with both playing a vital role in saving his life.
Chief Constable Tim Smith said: "Every day Kent Police officers perform acts of heroism and bravery to keep people safe and I could not be more proud.
"They can always be relied upon to help people in their time of need and there are many families across the county whose loved ones would not be with us today were it not for their lifesaving actions.
"I would like to congratulate those who have received awards for their outstanding work and who are a credit to the Kent Police badge, as well as those members of public who are also fully deserving of the recognition they have received."