A ‘hero’ father has been awarded for his bravery one year after he entered a 12ft deep Fenland drain to rescue a woman who was trapped in her car after it careered off a bridge.
Stephen Jones, 36, from Woking, Surrey, was presented with the Royal Humane Society Testimonial on Vellum at Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable’s Commendations Ceremony for putting his own life in danger to save another.
Mr Jones was visiting his family in The Bank, Parsons Drove, on April 30 last year when he heard a loud smash from outside.
He quickly ran outside to see a car sinking into the river and heard a woman shouting from inside the vehicle.
He said: “It was the most chilling sound, the vehicle was quickly submerging and I said ‘I’m going in’. The driver’s window was broken and I reached in but there wasn’t anyone in the driver’s seat. I swam underneath the vehicle and opened the passenger door and pulled her to the bank.
“She was struggling to breathe as her lungs were full of water but thankfully survived and got to see her family again. My three-year-old now thinks I’m a superhero but I was just doing what I would hope someone would do for me if I was in trouble.”
Speaking shortly after the incident last year, Mr Jones explained how he had shouted to his parents who were on the river bank that he was coming ashore.
His father said it was the eighth incident he had witnessed at the bridge since moving to the area 13 months ago – and the second time he’d seen a vehicle enter the water.
Chief Constable Alec Wood said: “We have heard stories of remarkable and selfless acts, and those who have worked in difficult situations. They all deserved the recognition they were given. My personal thanks and congratulations go to each and every one of them.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite added: “It is hugely inspiring and indeed humbling to hear just how far each of the recipients go to protect people in our communities. What they do on a daily basis is outstanding and makes me very proud.”
The ceremony was held at the police headquarters in Huntingdon last night (May 3).
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