Royal Humane Society awards for North Yorkshire Police officers who stopped Selby man from ending his life

Four police officers who helped save a man who was planning on ending his life have been commended by the Royal Humane Society.

Pcs Heidi Mcloughlin, Jordan Drummond, Gemma Churchward and Rebecca Easton, based with North Yorkshire Police in Selby, have all been given the commendations after being alerted to the man in distress last summer.

The officers were called to an address in the town one night last year after the man called emergency services indicating he was going to take his own life.

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The four managed to talk to the man while family members were present.

Pc Gemma Churchward, who has received a commendation from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man trying to end his lifePc Gemma Churchward, who has received a commendation from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man trying to end his life
Pc Gemma Churchward, who has received a commendation from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man trying to end his life

When he jumped from a height, the officers quickly jumped to save him and removed a ligature from around his neck.

The force’s chief constable described the officers as having acted with compassion and humanity while maintaining calmness and professionalism in what was described as a “distressing and volatile” situation.

The certificates were presented to the officers separately by Chief Constable Lisa Winward following the announcement they were to be given the Certificate of Commendation by the Royal Humane Society.

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Chief Constable Winward said: “The officers acted with compassion, humanity and professionalism in difficult and distressing circumstances.

Pcs Heidi McLoughlin and Jordan Drummond, who have received commendations from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man trying to end his lifePcs Heidi McLoughlin and Jordan Drummond, who have received commendations from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man trying to end his life
Pcs Heidi McLoughlin and Jordan Drummond, who have received commendations from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man trying to end his life

“I am proud of them and pleased that the Royal Humane Society has recognised their actions.

“It is important to acknowledge the unseen work of our officers.”

It comes after one of the force’s police chiefs said officers were being called to more mental health-related incidents this year, with the pandemic taking its toll on people’s mental wellbeing.

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Assistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone, who joined North Yorkshire Police this Autumn, said the majority of incidents called in to the service at present had some element of mental health.

“Even though police now have better training than we used to and there is much more awareness around the issue, the number of people we are seeing with mental health issues is increasing,” he told The Yorkshire Post in October.

Anyone struggling with their mental health is urged to call Samaritans, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 116 123.

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