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Video: Officers awarded
for saving woman from lake

Brave police joined passersby and two young girls in a
dramatic rescue of a woman trapped in her car submerged in a
lake.

At one stage five officers dived into the murky, cold waters of
the lake, in the grounds of Hinxhill Estate and Property Lettings
in Hinxhill near Wye on April 16 this year.

A firefighter used breathing apparatus to plunge into the
depths, and even the trapped woman's 12-year-old daughter and her
friend helped raise the alarm.

Now those involved have been honoured with Chief Constable
awards.

It was around 7pm on the fateful night when 48-year-old Philippa
O'Hara is believed to have driven up an embankment in her VW Golf,
crashing through an electrified fence before ending in the
lake.

A member of the public jumped in "without regard for his own
safety", and looked for any occupants of the car.

The two 12-year-olds managed undo Mrs O'Hara's seatbelt,
scramble to safety and run for help.

Meanwhile, a passing police car containing PCs Alex Milward and
Ryan Duffy stopped.

After calling for back-up, PC Alex Milward removed his police
kit and jumped into the lake. He tried to move the seat so Mrs
O'Hara could be moved.

Within minutes, a further four officers arrived, and, while PC
Duffy led the incident from the bank, the five other officers
were diving down into the water - continually coming up for
air.

A firefighter then jumped into the lake with breathing
equipment.

Twenty minutes after the car submerged, PC Milward freed the
woman and she was brought up to the surface by PC Milward and the
fire officer.

She was then treated by an ambulance crew, who spent 15
minutes resuscitating her before she started breathing. The woman
survived and is recovering.

Chief Constable awards went to Tim Burgess, the first
person to dive into the lake; Chloe Crockford and Katie
O'Hara, the 12-year-olds, for their courage and selflessness; and
PCs Alex Milward, Ryan Duffy and Evan Potter in recognition of
their professionalism.

In a separate incident, John Beale and Michael Wright from
Maidstone, were awarded after trying to save the life of Medway
murder victim and father-of-five, Jack Treeby.

In December 2009, Jack (pictured right), who was from
Rainham, was deliberately run over by a car in Quarry Road,
Maidstone, his brother, Gary, was also shot during the
incident.

Mr Beale lived about 90 metres away from the incident and
witnessed part of it from his home.

He was one of the first to arrive at the scene and gave first
aid to the brothers, Michael Wright, joined him and the pair tried
to keep Jack alive by giving him mouth to mouth resuscitation and
chest compressions.

Regrettably, their attempts were in vain and Jack, 43, was
pronounced dead at the scene, despite what had happened; both men
showed no regard for their own safety and were committed to trying
to save the Jack's life.

As a result, they were both awarded with a National Police
Public Bravery Award.

Jack's brother, Bill Treeby and sons Billy Jnr, and George, were
later convicted of his murder and jailed for the killing.

Just days later Bill hanged himself in his prison cell.

Bill Snr's wife Charity, was cleared of murder but found guilty
of causing grievous bodily harm to Gary Treeby.

John Beale, 40, of Tovil near Maidstone, said: "I went down to
help the people who'd been shot - one died and the other
survived.

"One was unconscious that was the first one I came to, and the
other one was moving.

"I pulled him from under the car, saw he'd been shot in the
thigh and tied a cable round it to stop the bleeding.

"I then went to the other person and started giving him
CPR."

Michael Wright, of Quarry Road, Maidstone, said: "I gave
mouth to mouth. We did the best we could. It's a nice award to
receive, but it doesn't compensate for what's happened."

A total of 39 recipients were given a certificate of merit or
commendation at the Kent Police College in Maidstone, after
emergencies or investigations.



The Chief Constable's awards are to those who have made a
considerable contribution to policing in Kent.

The awards were presented by Chief Constable Ian Learmonth and
one by the High Sheriff of Kent Mrs Georgie Warner.



Chief Constable Ian Learmonth said: "These awards are designed to
recognise those who do more than just perform well at work or
towards policing in Kent.

"They acknowledge people whose actions go way beyond the call of
duty.

"People who are brave, fearless, selfless and whose actions have
either saved people's lives or made a significant contribution to
policing in Kent.

'Police officers often find themselves in dangerous situations
as part of their job.

"Those receiving awards... are among Kent Police's finest and
they should be proud of their achievement.

"This is also an opportunity to recognise members of the public
who have displayed true bravery and courage."

Click here for the full list of those
commended by the Chief Constable