Edinburgh police officers praised at bravery awards

A number of the Capital's police officers have been recognised for their outstanding acts of bravery at an awards ceremony.

Dalkeith officers Paul Brownlee and PC Greg Gavin were rewarded for preventing a man from jumping from a bridge at Newmills Road bridge in April.

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The scene was chaotic with members of the public and the man’s relatives desperately trying to cling onto him as he attempted to jump.

The officers reached over the bridge and PC Brownlee grabbed the man while PC Gavin held onto them both and waited for back up to arrive. Their colleagues then helped pull them all to safety.

PC Brownlee said: “It’s a 100 foot drop down below to a rocky river and we were hanging over the edge. In my police career I’ve been to some scary incidents but I’ve always felt safe and I’ve never felt like I wouldn’t go home that night. But this was very different.”

Andrea MacDonald, chairwoman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Paul and Greg risked their own lives in this incredibly dangerous, stressful and intense situation. Policing is about much more than crime and our officers are often looked to resolve situations such as these.

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“It should never be forgotten what personal risks they are taking and the sacrifices they make to keep people safe each and every day. This was a truly amazing rescue and this brave pair truly deserve this award.”

Detective Constable Brian Todd, who responded to an incident on Gorgie Road, was also recognised at the awards. DC Todd, who has been a police officer for 26 years, was off duty when he stopped to help at the scene of a traffic accident. He then learned of an intoxicated man with an air rifle who had been shooting at nearby individuals.

The brave officer quickly chased the man, identified himself as a police officer and removed the weapon. Backup arrived soon after and the man was arrested.

DC Todd said: “The guy had a rifle and was of great concern. He clearly posed a danger to the members of the public who were present, so I knew I had to do something about it.”

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Ms MacDonald, said: “Police officers are never off duty. Brian didn’t think twice about apprehending this man who posed a serious danger in a densely populated area. His bravery and selflessness deserve our highest recognition and we are pleased to present him with an award. He heroically risked his own safety to protect others and acted in the finest traditions of the Scottish Police Service.”

Edinburgh’s PC Iain Fotheringham, PC Christopher Wood and PC Andrew Gamble also saved the life of a 14-year-old girl who was being attacked by a ‘bull mastiff’ type dog.

The officers were among 23 acknowledged by the Scottish Police Federation at a prestigious awards ceremony in the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel last night.

Ms MacDonald added: “These awards recognise the bravery of police officers across the country, some in the course of their duties, others who were off duty when the incidents happened.

“Our officers risked their own lives to try and preserve the lives of others. We praise the courage and commitment of our colleagues in these most harrowing of events.”

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