Bravery award for PC who saved woman from drowning in Telford lake
A policeman who saved a woman from drowning in the lake at Telford Town Park is to receive a national bravery award.
Pc Nicola Burkitt has been awarded a Royal Humane Society testimonial on parchment.
She was one of the first officers on scene at the boating lake after police were alerted by a 999 call from a woman saying she was in the park and "about to die".
The call handler heard the sound of water in the background and suspected someone could be drowning.
Pc Burkitt, a West Mercia officer, ran to the lake with a colleague and waded in to the woman who was about 20 yards from the bank and unconscious face down.
She managed to drag her to the shore, where she regained consciousness after being placed in a recovery position. The drama happened on December 11 last year, in cold temperatures.
Royal Humane Society secretary Dick Wilkinson today praised the 40-year-old policewoman.
He said: "Put simply Pc Burkitt was the right person in the right place at the right time. She saved this woman from drowning and richly deserves the award she is to receive."
No date has yet been set for the presentation of the award, which has been made following a recommendation by West Mercia Police, but it is expected to take place in the next few weeks.
Pc Burkitt, is based in Telford.
The award is one of the highest accolades given by the Royal Humane Society, a national body that honours bravery in the saving of human life.
