Off-duty PC up for bravery award after rescue bid (From Daily Echo)
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Off-duty PC up for bravery award after rescue bid
12:55pm Friday 25th June 2010 in
-
- By Sian Davies » Senior News Reporter
A HAMPSHIRE police officer has been nominated for a bravery award for the part he played in trying to rescue a drowning family while off duty.
PC Nick Whitehouse was enjoying a day at Lepe beach in 2007 with his own family when he spotted a group of people who appeared to be in difficulty about 50m out to sea.
Without thinking PC Whitehouse dashed into the water despite the fact he was not a strong swimmer in an effort to help.
As reported at the time Eddy Moore, 43, was trying desperately to rescue his twoy e a r - o l d g r a n d daughter Keely after she had got into trouble with the strong tides.
He was holding the toddler above his head, to keep her above the water, but as PC Whitehouse got nearer he disappeared under the water and by the time the officer found him, Mr Moore was lying face down in the sea.
Despite the best efforts of PC Whitehouse who brought him back to shore, and other rescuers Mr Moore from Southampton could not be resuscitated, but his efforts did save the life of his grandaughter for which he was heralded a hero.
Now PC Whitehouse and another off-duty police officer from the Metropolitan force who also helped that day, have been nominated for the National Police Bravery awards.
PC Whitehouse who is based in Alton, said: “I acted instinctively when I realised somebody needed help, I’m not the most confident of swimmers but I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. To be nominated by the Police Federation for such an award is an honour”
Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, John Apter, said: “PC Whitehouse was off duty with his family when he became aware of the group in difficulty. He acted in a selfless way, putting himself at risk for the benefit of others.
PC Whitehouse is a credit to himself and Hampshire Constabulary.”
The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary Alex Marshall also paid tribute to his actions, he said: “PC Whitehouse put himself at risk to try and save others, his nomination is strongly supported by me and Hampshire Constabulary.”
The awards ceremony will take place next month at The Dorchester Hotel in London.
Comments(8)
southy
says...
3:09pm Fri 25 Jun 10
sotonwinch09 wrote:it was good work done by this off duty officer, but lets not forget the grandfather hard work he lost his life so the 2 year old could carry on having one.
Well done. A lot of other people would just stand and watch or even worse probably video it on their phones. Alton has a fine bunch of officers. Well done Nick!
sotonwinch09
says...
3:25pm Fri 25 Jun 10
southy wrote:Indeed. Very brave on his part aswell. RIP.
sotonwinch09 wrote:it was good work done by this off duty officer, but lets not forget the grandfather hard work he lost his life so the 2 year old could carry on having one.
Well done. A lot of other people would just stand and watch or even worse probably video it on their phones. Alton has a fine bunch of officers. Well done Nick!
Its funny though that when a story praises the police there are just a couple of comments but when an officer does something wrong there are hundreds.
southy
says...
3:51pm Fri 25 Jun 10
sotonwinch09 wrote:well they are ment not to be above the law, whitch is a shame when they start to think that they are above the law.
southy wrote:Indeed. Very brave on his part aswell. RIP.
sotonwinch09 wrote:it was good work done by this off duty officer, but lets not forget the grandfather hard work he lost his life so the 2 year old could carry on having one.
Well done. A lot of other people would just stand and watch or even worse probably video it on their phones. Alton has a fine bunch of officers. Well done Nick!
Its funny though that when a story praises the police there are just a couple of comments but when an officer does something wrong there are hundreds.
a lot off officers think the are the law, when they should be thinking they are there to enforce it law and in an equal matter.
and its these sort of things in the back off off people's minds is why the difference in comment numbers
sotonwinch09
says...
4:24pm Fri 25 Jun 10
southy wrote:They are human you know not robots. Even coppers make the odd little mistake in their job. The only difference is when they do, The Daily Fail makes it front page news.
sotonwinch09 wrote:well they are ment not to be above the law, whitch is a shame when they start to think that they are above the law.
southy wrote:Indeed. Very brave on his part aswell. RIP.
sotonwinch09 wrote:it was good work done by this off duty officer, but lets not forget the grandfather hard work he lost his life so the 2 year old could carry on having one.
Well done. A lot of other people would just stand and watch or even worse probably video it on their phones. Alton has a fine bunch of officers. Well done Nick!
Its funny though that when a story praises the police there are just a couple of comments but when an officer does something wrong there are hundreds.
a lot off officers think the are the law, when they should be thinking they are there to enforce it law and in an equal matter.
and its these sort of things in the back off off people's minds is why the difference in comment numbers
soton1980
says...
5:05pm Fri 25 Jun 10
sotonwinch09 wrote:I totally agree with the comments regarding the negativity against police officers in general. It's important to remember that when the vast majority of officers are doing their job to a high standard noone hears about it. Yet when a minority abuse their position, it attract lots of negative publicity. It's good to see a positive story for once and well done to the officer involved for his brave actions.
southy wrote:They are human you know not robots. Even coppers make the odd little mistake in their job. The only difference is when they do, The Daily Fail makes it front page news.
sotonwinch09 wrote:well they are ment not to be above the law, whitch is a shame when they start to think that they are above the law.
southy wrote:Indeed. Very brave on his part aswell. RIP.
sotonwinch09 wrote:it was good work done by this off duty officer, but lets not forget the grandfather hard work he lost his life so the 2 year old could carry on having one.
Well done. A lot of other people would just stand and watch or even worse probably video it on their phones. Alton has a fine bunch of officers. Well done Nick!
Its funny though that when a story praises the police there are just a couple of comments but when an officer does something wrong there are hundreds.
a lot off officers think the are the law, when they should be thinking they are there to enforce it law and in an equal matter.
and its these sort of things in the back off off people's minds is why the difference in comment numbers
SotonLad
says...
8:19pm Fri 25 Jun 10
sotonwinch09 wrote:Well said!
Well done. A lot of other people would just stand and watch or even worse probably video it on their phones. Alton has a fine bunch of officers. Well done Nick!
proudgrandad
says...
8:55pm Sat 26 Jun 10
so please echo at least contact next of kin before this type of story goes to press!
thanks to eddie i still have a grandaugter and she has a life!
as indeed do her parents who are still very upset by the tragic incident!
lets honour the real hero!
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sotonwinch09 says...
2:27pm Fri 25 Jun 10