Life-saving actions and exceptional investigations: celebrating everyday heroes in South Devon

Uniformed officers and members of staff from Devon and Cornwall Police and two members of the public, have been recognised for their extraordinary achievements for their roles in keeping local communities safe in South Devon.

Over twenty people received bravery and commendation awards from the Police. They were honoured for their selflessness and commitment, sharing stories of great bravery in handling high-risk missing person cases, their quick thinking to save people’s lives, and achieving positive results in complex investigations.

Chief Superintendent Roy Linden, who heads up the policing teams in South Devon, said: “It has been an immense privilege to celebrate the remarkable service and heroic actions of our police officers and brave members of the public. Their inspiring accounts showcase the selfless commitment to protecting lives and communities, even in the face of danger.

“Whether it was the upstanding members of public who displayed unwavering courage, or the police who went above and beyond the call of duty, all those who received an award embodied the values of compassion and an unshakable dedication to protect our communities.

“I am tremendously proud to work alongside such dedicated individuals who put the safety of others above all else. And as a member of this community, I feel a deep sense of pride knowing we are surrounded by everyday heroes willing to rise to the occasion when needed most."

A selection of those who received awards include:
 

Member of the public saves man from jumping on train track: 
Derek Saunders

Whilst walking his dog in Torquay, local resident Derek came across a woman who was in a suicidal state and was trying to jump over a high fence onto a trainline.

Acting quickly, he managed to reach out to the woman and was able to bring her back safely onto the pavement. Derek sat with the distressed woman, reassuring her until the emergency services arrived to help. Derek has been awarded for his quick thinking and bravery, ultimately saving a life. 
 

Members of the public locate missing person:
David White and Helen

In June 2023, there was a report of a high-risk missing man who was in a suicidal state. It was reported that the man had left his home and fled to a wooded area in South Brent.

A police helicopter was deployed to assist with the search to locate the missing man. Local residents David and Helen saw the helicopter passing above their home and decided to see if they could help with the search. They began a search of the local area and later located the man 15-foot up a tree with a rope around his neck.

Whilst this was a really distressing situation, the couple spent time speaking with the man, until police negotiators and emergency services arrived on scene. David remained there for a number of hours until the man had come safety down from the tree and he was safe with local officers. David and Helen’s quick thinking and empathy undoubtedly saved the life of this vulnerable young man

Officer helps fraud victim get £20,000 back:
Police Constable (PC) Barnaby Geary

PC Geary supported a local investigation into a number of fraud reports which were linked to an Organised Crime Group (OCG) that operated across the UK. He gathered key evidence from a vulnerable woman who had been victim to a fraud, unfortunately transferring her life savings from her deceased husband’s pension to the OCG, which totalled over £20,000.

With the support of PC Geary, the woman bravely agreed to take part in Crime Watch UK as part of a national appeal to raise awareness of money fraud and show how easy it is to fall victim.

As a result of PC Geary’s determination to help the woman get her money back from the bank, she received a full refund of the savings she had lost. This had an incredibly positive impact on the woman in what could have had a devastating effect on the rest of her life. This investigation formed part of a national fraud investigation into the OCG and is being managed by the Metropolitan Police with assistance from the Covert Authorities Bureau. Investigations into the OCG are ongoing