A brave Cardiff officer who saved a tragic woman from suicide attempt has won a national police bravery award.
Out on routine patrol in an unmarked police car, PC Elizabeth Window spotted a woman poised to jump off Clarence Bridge. The woman had been reported missing from the local hospital where she was receiving grievance care after losing her partner in a suicide jump off the very same bridge a year earlier.
PC Window stopped the car and proceeded cautiously towards the woman, whom she heard muttering that she was going to jump. Just as she was about to release herself, PC Window grabbed hold of her hands but her feet left the ledge. For some time PC Window bore the wrestling weight of the woman until a taxi driver came to her assistance. Between them they pulled the woman to safety and waited for the other rescue services to arrive.
Without the actions and bravery of PC Window the woman would most certainly have succeeded in killing herself.
PC Window won the Bravery Award for the Wales Region
Chief Superintendent Bob Tooby, divisional commander for Cardiff said, " I would like to add my personal congratulations to PC Window for winning this high profile national award. It is due recognition for her brave actions in saving the woman in question. Both Elizabeth and her colleagues in Cardiff provide a dedicated and professional service to the communities of Cardiff on a daily basis, often putting themselves in the path of danger to help others. Their work and dedication mean that the communities of Cardiff are safer than ever before and crime is at an unprecedented low in the city. "
Secretary of South Wales Police Federation Richie Jones said ‘The actions of PC Window highlight the dangers that police officers face each day. There is no doubt that PC Window put the safety and welfare of this lady before her own and her actions undoubtedly saved the life of this lady. PC Window is a credit to South Wales Police and to the police service in general, her professionalism and courage are to be commended and she is thoroughly deserving of her award.’
The Police Bravery Awards, hosted in partnership with The Sun newspaper, is an annual event which honours Police Officers across England and Wales for their actions to tackle criminals and keep the public safe. This year marks the 15th anniversary for the Police Bravery Awards.