PC DAVID DINNEN’S STORY
A POLICE officer put his own life at risk when he tackled a man with two meat cleavers near a school. PC David Dinnen reported for duty on a rest day to attend court when a number of calls came in about a man threatening people. The officer grabbed car keys and attended the scene with two colleagues. On spotting a man with two bladed weapons, David chased him and wrestled him on to the floor. The incident happened outside St Aloysius School in Glasgow’s Garnethill on March 18 last year. David, 31, from Glasgow, said: “At the time I knew I had a duty of care to members of the public.
“It is a highly populated area with nearby schools and commuters going to and from the city centre.
“My adrenaline was going. You don’t have much time to think about these things, about what’s going through your mind, but for me, it was just about keeping people safe.”
David and his colleagues, constables Hannah Mitchell and David Moffat, worked together to pin the man to the ground and were finally able to handcuff him once other officers arrived. On searching him, they recovered two large meat cleavers.
It was at this point that David realised he had dislocated one of his fingers and sprained his ankle during the struggle.
Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “PC Dinnen put himself directly in harm’s way to protect innocent bystanders.
“His actions showed immense bravery and courage.”
Both Scott and David have been nominated as Emergency Heroes at the Daily Record Our Heroes Awards, sponsored by Utilita Energy. The ceremony honour ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
Jem Maidment, head of communications at Utilita Energy, said: “It’s a real honour for Utilita Energy to be the main sponsor of Our Heroes. This wonderful event shines a light on Scotland’s unsung heroes – their stories are inspirational and their recognition well deserved.
“We look forward to hearing about more incredible people in the coming weeks.”
The award ceremony will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central on May 19.
For tickets and sponsorship, contact Debbie Caldwell – email debbie.caldwell@trinitymirror.com or phone 0141 309 1475 – or visit www. dailyrecordourheroes.co.uk.
PC Dinnen put himself in harm’s way to protect innocent bystanders POLICE FEDERATION