Bravery awards for officers who pulled man from burning car moments before it exploded
PC Anna O’Donoghue and PC Callum Simpson have been commended with Police Bravery Awards for their actions.
Two Northants Police officers who saved a man from a burning car moments before it exploded have been given Police Bravery Awards.
In December 2023 PC Anna O’Donoghue and PC Callum Simpson responded to a crash on the A45 in Wellingborough where a car had been involved with a high-speed collision with a fuel pump.
When the officers arrived at the scene, the vehicle involved was on fire and the passenger from the vehicle was stood next to the car.
The passenger was injured but was trying to remove the driver from the vehicle who was trapped and also injured.
Both officers ran towards the burning vehicle and managed to drag the driver out of the vehicle and to a place of safety just in time, as flames soon engulfed the vehicle resulting in a series of explosions.
PC Anna O’Donoghue says it was an intense shift:
"Emotionally and physically it was one of the most training shifts we've had."
PC Callum Simpson told us about the moment after the explosion:
"It was one of them where you think you know a few seconds either side of it and you could have ended up in that fireball. But here we are. We didn't. And you know, we got the driver to safety and we let fire deal with the rest of it."
Northamptonshire Police Federation Chair Sam Dobbs said: “Callum and Anna displayed incredible bravery to pull the driver from a burning vehicle.
“They instinctively ran towards danger to help the people who needed their assistance, putting their own lives at risk.
“There is no doubt in my mind that their quick-thinking and heroic actions saved the driver’s life. We couldn’t be prouder of them.
“They are thoroughly deserving of their nomination and wish them all the best for the bravery award.”
Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said: “I am very proud of PC Simpson and PC O’Donoghue who, at great risk to themselves, saved this driver’s life by pulling him out of a burning car. Their actions had an impact that cannot be measured, especially in regards to the driver’s loved-ones.
“It’s great to see them nominated for this award and I wish them the best of luck when they attend the awards ceremony later in the year.
“As the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, I often hear stories of police bravery and I am honoured to lead a team of officers who show courage in the face of adversity every day.”
The Police Bravery Awards were hosted in London by the Police Federation in London on July 10th.
PC Anna O’Donoghue and PC Callum Simpson say their final message on the incident that lead to their award is that they hope it's a reminder not to drink and drive, and to leave emergency situations to the professions.