Two Avon and Somerset Police officers nominated for bravery award
It's after they risked their own lives to help a man in distress on the M5
Two police who risked their own lives to help a man in distress on the M5 have been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award.
It took place on the evening of Sunday 28 May near the Avonmouth Bridge over the southbound carriageway.
After spotting the man on the carriageway, Sergeant (Sgt) Nicholas Dalrymple tried initially to slow traffic on the motorway down using his emergency lights and sirens.
He then entered the live carriageway, without time to put fluorescent protective clothing on, to try and stop the man getting hit.
Off-duty Police Constable (PC) Mitchell Raymond, who was forced to take avoiding action whilst driving past at the time, then pulled over to help detain the man.
Both officers ensured he was safe, and transferred over to medical crews.
The men would receive a Chief Constable's Commendation on 29 November 2023.
Sgt Dalrymple said about the incident:
"There are not many times you think, I could die here, but that definitely crossed my mind as cars were nearly hitting us.
"You’re not thinking about us getting hurt, it’s a concern about letting someone down, or letting their family down, it’s that sense of responsibility which hits you hardest.
"This shows what policing is all about. I have never met Mitch before, but we wear the same uniform and clearly have the same values and ethics in serving the public…that’s when policing works, when we all come together and make it work."
PC Raymond added that being nominated was a "surreal feeling."
"I knew I had to act to try and save someone’s life basically. There were a lot of thoughts going through my head.
"As a police officer you’re essentially never off duty and you always want to be able to save lives.
"In those moments, your personal safety is in the back of the mind but it’s always on the other person, who is in danger. It’s an instinct which kicks in and takes over, you know you have got to do something."
Chief Constable Sarah Crew said:
"The actions of Sgt Dalrymple and PC Raymond were incredibly brave as they placed themselves in imminent danger to save a man in distress, and to keep other road users safe.
"We know police officers run towards danger and not from it, and this is exactly what happened during this incident. They embody our values of caring and courage and are a credit to policing.
"We’re extremely proud of them and they fully deserve to be recognised and celebrated on this national stage."
The national Police Bravery Awards are being held in London on Thursday 11 July.