Wiltshire Neighbourhood PC commended by Chief Constable
It follows a response effort back in November 2022 after a someone was reportedly in the water near the A350 between Lacock and Melksham
Last updated 12th Jul 2024
A PC from the Corsham Neighbourhood Team has been commended by the Chief Constable after saving a woman from the freezing River Avon.
Back in November 2022, Adam Neish helped with the response effort someone was reportedly in the water near the A350 between Lacock and Melksham.
His actions, and the actions of other officers at the time of the incident, have been called 'selfless'.
On Wednesday, Corsham Police shared the story of PC Adam Neish from the Corsham Neighbourhood team.
Speaking about his Chief Constable’s Commendation, and the award for Outstanding Team Work made by other officers from the Chippenham Neighbourhood team during the incident, they said: "On 25 November 2022, police received a distressing call that a woman had entered the dangerously swollen River Avon near the A350 between Lacock and Melksham.
"Despite heavy rainfall causing the river's waters to surge with daunting strength and depth, PC Neish selflessly volunteered to assist the response effort while already engaged in other critical neighbourhood policing duties.
"With the dire situation rapidly deteriorating, PC Neish demonstrated remarkable bravery by sprinting a considerable distance to the woman's location. Finding her actively attempting to submerge herself underwater, he instantly removed his protective vest and entered the freezing river at great personal risk. He swam out and secured the woman, allowing the team to pull them both to safety using a throw rope.
"The woman's friend had also entered the water in an attempt to rescue her and was herself clinging precariously to an overhanging branch. Thanks to the quick thinking of PC Hughes and PC Rogers, they were able to anchor themselves and pull the friend to safety before she was swept away.
"PC Neish's valiant actions, executed while soaked in freezing waters, undoubtedly saved a life that fateful day. Remarkably, after ensuring the woman's safety and a change of clothes PC Neish returned to the station, and completed his tour of duty, exemplifying an exceptional level of dedication.
"While PC Neish entered the treacherous waters, PC Hughes, PC Rodriguez-Wilkins, PCSO Maplesden and PC Rogers anchored the rescue rope, facilitated urgent communications, and provided essential backup - their collaborative efforts were crucial in saving the woman's life."