Four members of Burnham-On-Sea’s police team who risked their lives to prevent a motorway tragedy have this week received national bravery awards.
Special Constable Philippa Baskwill, PC Ryan Dinham, PCSO Sarah England and PCSO Tracey Grobbeler stopped a 6ft 5ins man from throwing himself off a bridge over the M5 at Harp Road near Mark last October.
The police team headed to the scene after being informed the man was standing on the wrong side of the railings, with concerned family members desperately encouraging him not to jump.
The officers attempted to hold him back, but such was the man’s strength, they at one stage feared they could be dragged over the railings.
PCSO Grobbeler sustained an injury but she and her colleagues eventually managed to pull the man back inside the railings and restrain him.
27 police officers from across Somerset received the awards at an awards ceremony held at Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton on Tuesday November 5th.
The officers from across Somerset were welcomed by Chief Constable Nick Gargan, Deputy Chief Constable John Long, Chief Superintendent Nikki Watson and High Sheriff Maureen Whitmore before the awards were presented.
Chief Constable Gargan said: “I am absolutely delighted to have presented these awards. Since I came to Avon and Somerset, I have been impressed by the commitment of the police officers and PCSOs to keeping people safe. All of the officers and members of staff here today represent everything our communities should expect and deserve from their police service – bravery, tenacity, strength and absolute dedication to problem solving, good service and improving the communities in which we live.”
“These awards highlight the wide-range of situations our teams have to deal with and the commitment they have to protecting the public.”
