Member of the public and police officers commended for saving man's life in Milton Keynes

The Chief Constable has commended a member of the public and two officers from Thames Valley Police for saving the life of a man who got into difficulty in water.

Katarzyna Slawinska, from Sandpiper, Milton Keynes, PC James Elliot and PC Matthew Waters, who are both Milton Keynes officers, were each awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation.

At around 6am on July 2 2017, Katarzyna Slawinska responded to a call for help from a man in the canal near Millward Drive, Milton Keynes. Katarzyna raised the alarm, but when the man was no longer able to keep his head above water she jumped into the canal to assist him. She held his head above water until the emergency services attended.

PC Waters and PC Elliot arrived on scene and swam to assist Katarzyna in saving the man.

Lines were thrown to the two officers and all four were then pulled safely back onto the canal towpath.

The man was treated by paramedics and officers on the scene.

Katarzyna was highly commended for her action in responding to the man who was in trouble in the water. She acted in a selfless manner with courage and without hesitation. Without her actions the man may not have survived being in the water for much longer.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be nominated and be part of this awards ceremony,” Katarzyna said.

PC Waters was highly commended for exhibiting exceptional performance in supporting the Force Values and Policing Principles, demonstrating leadership, accountability, respect and selflessness. He saved the life of a man in the water and also assisted Katarzyna to make sure she was safe.

PC Waters, said: “I am overwhelmed at receiving such a high award as the Chief’s Commendation. I would like to thank my supervisor and area commander for putting me forward.

PC James Elliot was also highly commended for exhibiting exceptional performance in supporting the Force Values and Policing Principles, demonstrating leadership, accountability, respect and selflessness. His actions prevented a man from drowning and also made sure that Katarzyna was safe.

PC Elliot, said: “The incident could have been so much worse, but down to the way everyone involved worked as a team the male was able to be pulled from the water and saved.

“I am pleased that with our collective efforts managed to save this man’s life and it’s an honour to receive this commendation.”

All three were commended at a ceremony with the Chief Constable Francis Habgood at a ceremony at the police training centre in Sulhampstead on Friday.

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