A police officer bravely pursued a suspect who left him with a seven-inch wound in a harrowing incident that unfolded in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. PC Chris Duffy, 37, was accompanied by his loyal Alsatian police dog, Reno, when they responded to a call at a pub where staff had been threatened with violence in March 2023. While detaining one suspect located by Reno, PC Duffy was viciously attacked from behind by another man wielding a large blade, causing a deep seven-inch wound that exposed his skull. Despite his injury, PC Duffy spotted his assailant as he returned to his car and gave chase, eventually driving the suspect into the hands of fellow officers.
Reflecting on the incident, PC Duffy praised the bravery and effectiveness of Reno, stating that without the police dog’s assistance, they may not have located the suspect. PC Duffy commended Reno’s actions, highlighting his exceptional tracking skills. Following a four-week recovery period, PC Duffy returned to duty and later represented Nottinghamshire Police at the national police dog trials. His courage and dedication in the face of adversity have earned him a nomination for the prestigious Pride of Britain Award, recognising his selfless and heroic actions.
Another remarkable finalist for the This Morning Emergency Services Award is Hewitt Clark, a dedicated lifesaver with over 35 years of service as part of the RNLI’s Lerwick crew. Throughout his tenure, Clark has been instrumental in saving 319 lives and participating in 423 rescues. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea has seen him awarded numerous medals for acts of bravery, including a gold medal for his role in a perilous rescue mission amidst treacherous conditions. Despite retirement, Clark continues to support his crew during training exercises, demonstrating his enduring passion for lifesaving work.
Community support officer Lucas Summers is also amongst the esteemed finalists for his courageous intervention to save a suicidal woman from an oncoming train. Working in collaboration with the British Transport Police, Summers risked his own life by swiftly pulling the woman to safety just moments before a train hurtled past at 90mph. His quick thinking and selfless actions averted a tragedy, exemplifying the extraordinary dedication of emergency service personnel to preserving life.
Additionally, firefighters Jonathan Burch, Christopher Sweeny, and Nick Willis displayed exceptional bravery in rescuing a swimmer trapped by the tide in St Quen’s Bay, Jersey. Despite hazardous conditions preventing the deployment of a rescue boat, the team sprang into action, with Jonathan shielding the swimmer from powerful waves while his colleagues facilitated the rescue. Their collective efforts resulted in the successful retrieval of the imperilled swimmer, underscoring the unwavering commitment of emergency responders to safeguarding lives in perilous situations.
The exemplary actions of these dedicated individuals have not gone unnoticed, with their remarkable feats earning them nominations for the esteemed Pride of Britain Emergency Services Award. Their selflessness, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting and saving lives serve as a testament to the heroic endeavours of the emergency services community, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines their noble profession.