Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Brave blue line
Police saved man from plunging to certain death
A quartet of fearless officers f rom Coatbridge were recognised for their heroic acts of courage at the Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards.
The fourth annual ceremony celebrated the bravery of 22 cops at a prestigious event held in Edinburgh’s Macdonald Holyrood Hotel.
Coatbridge’s fearless four, Sergeant Mark Chivers and constables Neil McBain, Chris Mains and Darren Connor, were presented with their award in recognition of their incredible efforts to save the life of a man who was intent on throwing himself out of the window of a 12th floor flat.
The incident took place in July and the officers responded to multiple calls from the public to say that a clearly agitated man was attempting to jump from the high-rise tower block.
When they arrived, the man was hanging by his fingertips from the window frame.
Immediately, constables Mains, McBain and Connor grabbed him to prevent him from falling, forming a human chain to add as much weight as possible in order to bring him to safety.
During this time, they endured being punched and spat at by the man and faced the significant threat of being pulled out of the window, as the man used his feet to push against the side of the building in his attempt to break free.
Sergeant Chivers provided additional support and helped to bring the man back into the flat and restrain him, despite the man’s continued attempts to assault the officers and verbally abuse them.
Sergeant Chivers, said: “This was a highly charged incident with a number of challenges to overcome.
“The man was determined to jump from the window and doing everything he could to get free; it took all our efforts to hold onto him and bring him safely back into the flat.”
Chief Inspector David Sharp, who nominated the officers for the award, added: “The officers, without doubt, saved this man’s life. Their bravery and selflessness cannot be underestimated.”
Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “The actions shown by these officers that day were incredibly brave.
“They faced a dangerous and life- threatening situation, which could have ended very differently.
“It was due to their determination, fearlessness and excellent team work that a life was saved.
“These awards are about recognising the incredible efforts of Scotland’s police officers.
“It is right that they be honoured for their exemplary actions, which go a long way in keeping our communities safe.”
The Coatbridge officers also attended a reception at Bute House, hosted by justice secretary Humza Yousaf, before the evening awards ceremony.
Stephen Mann, chief executive of Police Mutual, which sponsored the awards, said: “These annual awards are well-known for recognising inspiring acts of courage by police officers.
“This year is no different and we are once again reminded that outstanding bravery is being demonstrated every day in communities across Scotland.
“The winners are a credit to their family and friends, their communities, and the wider police service.”
The man was determined to jump from the window... doing everything he could to get free