TVP officer commended for heroic off-duty act in Bucks

An off-duty police officer is being commended for his quick thinking and instinct which saved a man’s life after he jumped from a motorway bridge onto the M40.

Henry Johnson, a Police Constable of the Incident and Crime Response, was driving home after a 12-hour night shift when he spotted a man walking near the motorway bridge in the early hours of the morning.

"It was raining, dark, and about 7AM. It just seemed a bit strange to see someone walking by the motorway at that time," PC Johnson explained.

"I stopped my car and shouted out the window to see if he was OK, but he ignored me."

Trusting his instincts, PC Johnson decided to act.

He said: "I grabbed my radio, even though I had just finished work, and got out of the car.

"As soon as I stepped out, I saw him on the other side of the bridge. Before I could say anything, he jumped."

The man fell onto the motorway, landing in the live traffic lanes.

PC Johnson immediately called for assistance.

"I went into what I call robotic mode. I used my radio to get traffic officers, more police units, and an ambulance to the scene. I could see him in Lane 1, with lorries and cars swerving to avoid him," he said.

Recognising the immediate danger, he made the decision to go down to the motorway himself.

Despite his efforts, the man had suffered serious injuries, including a broken pelvis, spine, arm, and a severe head injury.

PC Johnson’s actions were even more remarkable considering the circumstances, having just had finished a long shift and no longer being on-duty.

He said: "Once I saw what was happening, adrenaline took over. It wasn’t until other units arrived that the stress lifted, and I realised how tired and cold I was."

The man was eventually taken to hospital, where his condition was unstable, but who later recovered.

When asked about how it felt to save someone's life, PC Johnson remained humble. He said: "I don’t know, honestly. I’m just doing what I’ve always wanted to do—be a police officer and save lives.

"Saving lives is our number one priority as police officers. Any time we think someone is in danger, we need to react."

PC Johnson has since undergone further training and is now a qualified police medic.

He received recognition for his heroic actions, and was officially commended by the Chief in a ceremony.