Brave PC saved life of woman just weeks into the job
ROOKIE HEATHER RAN INTO HOUSE AFTER TROUBLED PERSON WHO HAD A KNIFE
A COURAGEOUS Derbyshire police officer saved a woman’s life just a few months after starting her new role with the force.
PC Heather Beaumont was called to a routine anti-social behaviour incident involving a drunken woman in Dronfield, but the situation quickly became life-threatening.
On arrival things soon escalated. The troubled woman had visibly hurt herself before she ran into her home, reached for a knife and threatened to use on it herself.
PC Beaumont, who was at the time a police community support officer, and her colleague were called to the incident the day before the UK was formally placed into a nationwide lockdown.
The officer, who had only been in the role a few months, described the events that followed.
She said: “When we got there, the lady appeared to have a fever and was intoxicated, we were trying to calm her down as she was in hysterics.
“The first thing we asked was if she had Covid-19. She told us that she had been self-isolating, so we formed the opinion that she was showing symptoms of it.”
The woman had visible wounds on her arm which needed attention, but she was also coughing continuously. After calming her down and treating her with first aid, PC Beaumont went to the car to retrieve personal protection equipment.
Before she could, however, the woman ran past her and her colleague back into her home and armed herself with a knife, threatening to use it on herself. The officers immediately abandoned the PPE and ran into the house.
“As I was rummaging in the boot, my colleague shouted that she’d gone inside. I ran in after her, into her flat up a flight of stairs. The lady had tried to hurt herself. I saw the knife on the floor and kicked that out the way.
“My colleague pressed the emergency button on her radio, and I was on mine telling our colleagues where we were, asking for support from officers. I sat on the floor with the lady to check on her.”
Heather has been recognised for her brave actions, receiving a Chief Constable’s commendation.
“I felt very proud of myself, proud for being recognised for doing something I was expected to do, but it wasn’t a big deal to me,” she said. “I didn’t want any recognition for it, just wanted to do my job and go home.
“On that day to me, all I was doing was my job. I thought I was doing what any other person in that situation would. When I heard it was bravery I thought ‘no’ but then looking back, it was out of my job description.”
Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter added: “Our officers and staff often work long hours and face demanding situations to make sure that we are here for you when you need us.
“They never know what they will be faced with when they come into work each day, but they do it all without a thought for the danger they might face - all so that they can keep Derbyshire safe.
“I want to say a huge thank you to PC Beaumont and to all those who have put others first during this time. We owe them a huge debt.”