Lincolnshire police officer nominated for national bravery award

A Lincolnshire Police officer who risked his life to save a man from drowning has been nominated for a Police Bravery Award.

PC Phil McAllister has been nominated to win an award at the 26^th national Police Bravery Awards in London on 9 December.

The awards are held by the Police Federation of England and Wales to honour and recognise police officers who performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty and are sponsored by Police Mutual.

PC McAllister was nominated after risking his own life to save a man from drowning after his car slid on ice and crashed into a water-filled dyke.

Trapped in the car and bleeding, he managed to call 999 and tell the operator that he was in a lot of pain and that his car was filling with water. 

PC McAllister, who was working alone, arrived first on scene. He spotted the car through the pitch black, foggy night and entered the dyke, not knowing how deep the icy water was.

He managed to smash a window and get inside the car, where he supported the man’s head above the water line until he could free him and remove him from the car, where the man was given first aid by paramedics. 

The conditions were treacherous and without a thought for his own safety PC McAllister entered the water to save the man.  If PC McAllister waited for specialist units to arrive, the outcome could have been very different.

Kerry McMahon-White, Head of Partnerships at Police Mutual, said:

“Police Mutual is very proud to again be supporting the Police Bravery Awards. To each nominee, your achievements are extraordinary.

"We are humbled by your outstanding demonstrations of courage and commitment to protecting public safety in the most difficult of circumstances. At Police Mutual, my colleagues and I are deeply honoured to be able to show our appreciation for your bravery."

Helen Stamp, Deputy Chair of Lincolnshire Police Federation, said:

“The courage and professionalism shown by PC McAllister went above and beyond the normal call of duty. He showed exceptional bravery, and thoroughly deserves to be nominated for this award.

"Thank you PC McAllister for your dedication to helping to keep the public safe."