Retired cop up for Epic Dad award
'Brooksy' jumped into River Clyde to save man
ARETIRED cop from Glasgow who jumped into the Clyde to save a drowning man is in the running to be crowned Epic Dad of the Year.
Craig ‘Brooksy’ Brooks won a Royal Humane Society Award for his heroics while he was working in the city.
The 58-year-old, from Lennoxtown, was nominated for the nationwide accolade for his bravery on the frontline and his ongoing dedication to his community during the COVID-19 crisis.
Run by biscuit company Wagon Wheels, Epic Dad of the Year rewards those who have gone above and beyond to help their families and communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Formerly Celebrity Dad of the Year, the company renamed the contest in a shake-up earlier this year to honour fabulous fathers from all walks of life doing their bit for others during lockdown.
Craig is one of five dads shortlisted for the title, which will be decided by a public vote. During his career, Craig – who was known as Brooksy – also received the Chief Constable’s High Commendation for Bravery for diving into the Clyde to save a suspected knife attacker from drowning.
“We chased him and he jumped in at the suspension bridge,” he said at the time.
“He swam out about 30 yards but got himself in serious trouble.
“It was midnight so it was pitch black. He was basically drowning and he was under the water so I went out and got him back.”
Craig was one of four city police officers who recorded a charity single in 2013 to support victims of the Clutha helicopter crash. The quartet teamed up with Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall to release the song after the tragedy in Glasgow city centre.
Friends and family nominated Craig, who has continued to be a pillar of the community during lockdown, helping deliver PPE and hand sanitiser to those living in deprived city areas. He has another project in the pipeline for the summer, in a bid to support veterans’ charities. Craig’s son, Alfie, said: “My dad always puts others before himself. He has also given my mum the support she needs during this crisis, as she works as a nurse.” People can vote for their Epic Dad of The Year online until June 7.