Officers and member of public honoured for how they responded to emergencies in Boston area - one, an armed threat; the other, a serious car crash
Lincolnshire Police has honoured three officers and a member of the public for how they responded to emergency incidents near Boston – one, an armed threat; the other, a car crash in which the driver needed life-saving support.
The four were among those to receive a Certificate of Chief’s Constables Commendation at a ceremony held at the force’s headquarters last Tuesday (November 3).
The awards – presented by Chief Constable Paul Gibson – recognised ‘exceptional response to emergency incidents’, a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said.
Following the ceremony, the force released a series of citations, including two relating to Boston or the area near the town.
The first, titled ‘composure and dedication in the face of danger’, ran as follows:
“In the early hours of a winter morning, then Sgt Nick Elmer, PC Christina Hall and PC Sabooha Richeux found themselves facing every officer’s worst nightmare. Called to reports of damage being caused at a residential address, they arrived to discover an armed and highly volatile man.
“As the situation unfolded, the offender produced what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it directly at Sgt Elmer from close range. In that moment, believing he may be about to lose his life, Sgt Elmer maintained his professionalism, taking command of the incident, coordinating the response and ensuring colleagues and the public were protected. Despite the opportunity to withdraw, he remained in position, acutely aware that fellow officers could be at risk.
“PC Hall and PC Richeux also displayed tremendous courage and self-discipline. Knowing a colleague remained under threat, they stayed calm, followed tactical instructions and stood ready to support one another despite the obvious danger.
“They began the shift expecting a routine duty. Instead, they faced an armed threat and the possibility they may not return home. Their bravery, professionalism and commitment to protecting others ensured a dangerous offender was brought to justice and that no one was seriously harmed.”
The second was headed ‘selfless actions and a life saved’ and related to an incident that took place off the A52 towards Boston.
This ran as: “Last year, member of the public Mr Reece Shaw witnessed a vehicle ahead of him leave the road, cross a grass verge, become airborne over a ditch and come to rest in a field.
“Without a moment's hesitation, Mr Shaw stopped to help. He rushed to the wrecked vehicle and found the driver unresponsive, without a pulse and only gasping for breath. Acting on instinct and determination, Mr Shaw pulled the driver from the vehicle and began CPR.
“Alone at the scene and faced with a life-threatening emergency, Mr Shaw continued his efforts until paramedics arrived.
“Paramedics later stated that, without Mr Shaw's swift intervention and effective CPR, the driver would not have survived. His actions not only preserved life but demonstrated remarkable courage, composure and selflessness in the face of a traumatic and challenging situation.
“Rather than standing by and waiting for emergency services, Mr Shaw stepped forward when someone desperately needed help. His decisive actions made the difference between life and death and exemplify the very best of community spirit.”
In recognition of his ‘outstanding bravery, presence of mind and life-saving actions’, Chief Constable Gibson also presented Mr Reece with a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate, police added.