A woman who gave life-saving first aid to a man who fell unconscious on a bus is among members of the public and police officers awarded certificates for bravery and public service.
The Chief Constable’s awards ceremony last Tuesday recognised those who went above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of Kent.
PC Grant Strong and member of the public Alison Martin-Smith both gave first aid to a man after he fell unconscious on a bus in Gillingham in November.
The man had gone into cardiac arrest but regained a pulse and started to breathe again following their quick actions and the subsequent efforts of ambulance staff who arrived to take over.
Sergeant Robert Barrett and five other officers were awarded for saving the life of a man who suffered self-inflicted injuries at an address in Maidstone in August.
PS Barrett provided first aid to the man and continuously spoke to him to ensure he remained conscious before he was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
Sergeant Martin Sharp gave CPR and used a defibrillator on a man who collapsed whilst playing tennis in Gillingham in November.
PS Sharp was off-duty at the time but stayed with the man until an ambulance arrived and took him to hospital. It later transpired that he had suffered a heart attack and that PS Sharp’s actions had undoubtedly saved his life.
PC Harriet Lewis was recognised for her professionalism, compassion and dedication whilst engaging with the worried parents of a missing child from Medway.
It was PC Lewis’ first deployment as an FLO and she worked tirelessly to gain the full trust of the family, who later received the happy news that their child had been safely located.
Member of the public Shannon O’Donnell gave CPR to her uncle when he collapsed at her home in Chatham in August 2024, and was also honoured with a certificate at the ceremony.
Ms O’Donnell was assisted by Special Constable Laura Meeks, who also received an award.
Chief Constable Tim Smith said: “Every day Kent Police officers perform acts of heroism and bravery to keep people safe, and I could not be more proud.
“They can always be relied upon to help people in their time of need, and there are many families across the county whose loved ones would not be with us today were it not for their lifesaving actions.
“I would like to congratulate those who have received awards for their outstanding work and who are a credit to the Kent Police badge, as well as those members of the public who are also fully deserving of the recognition they have received.’
