An off duty local police officer has been commended for his bravery after he jumped into the River Nene at Wisbech to rescue a woman.
PC Lloyd Groves was praised for his lifesaving actions in a ceremony awarding those who had gone above and beyond the call of duty in the county.
Chief Constable Alec Wood said: “While off duty and with no regard for his own safety he jumped into the River Nene to assist a woman until the fire service arrived, almost certainly saving her life.”
In March 2015 PC Groves was in the North Brink area of Wisbech with his wife when he saw a woman in the River Nene.
A police spokesman said: “He entered the water and stayed with the woman until the fire service arrived to help.
“Lloyd’s wife, who is a paramedic, helped from the ground and standing by to provide first aid.
“The woman was suffering from hypothermia and taken to hospital.
“The paramedics who attended the incident said that Lloyd’s actions almost certainly saved the woman’s life.
“Following the incident the local sergeant said that although an act of madness as it is a tidal river, Lloyd’s actions have prevented a serious incident from occurring.
“It was a selfless act which has almost certainly saved the woman’s life.”
Lloyd carried out this rescue despite knowing the risk to his own safety and while recovering from a serious wrist injury, the spokesman added.
The annual Chief Constable Commendation Ceremony took place at the force headquarters in Hinchingbrooke.
The awards send a big thank you to people for “enriching the service that the constabulary provide to the county.”
During the award ceremony officers and members of the public were awarded for exceptional acts of selflessness, compassion and bravery.
Chief Constable Wood said: “The awards recognise and reward the outstanding efforts of individuals who deliver our mission, vision and values throughout their role and go above and beyond the call of duty.
“I’m incredibly proud of all our colleagues across the force and my thanks and congratulations go to each and every one of the recipients for their dedication to protecting the people of Cambridgeshire.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite added: “It was a huge privilege to meet everyone.
“To hear the stories of what they have done is hugely inspirational. I would like to add my thanks to everyone for the remarkable efforts they have made to keep our communities safe.”
Detective Constable Amanda Sylvester was recognised for delivering the highest possible service to the victims of a serious sex offender. She carried out a detailed and diligent investigation into the historic abuse which resulted in the offender being found guilty of all 13 indictments and receiving a 15 year sentence.
Teenagers Rhys Paterson and Jessica Nightingale were commended for saving a girl’s life and for the bravery they showed.
April Gollings, Lynne Holden, Nik Thomas, Ed McNeill, Chris O’Brien, Andy Gipp are commended for their personal drive, outstanding service support, dedication and professionalism towards creating tuServ - a mobile application which allows officers to access multiple systems from one app.
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