Police honour for men who helped to save teenager

Two men who plucked a distressed young woman from a Swindon motorway bridge have been honoured.

Adam Jones and Reece Stapleton each received a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition at the latest Wiltshire Police Awards ceremony, which was held in Pewsey. 

A force spokesperson said: "A 16-year-old girl left the Great Western Hospital in an extremely distressed state - walking alongside the busy A419 heading towards junction 15 of the M4.  

"Motorists then reported her on a bridge over the motorway.

"Adam Jones, Reece Stapleton and two other members of the public removed the girl from the wrong side of the safety barrier and helped to restrain her, keeping her safe until officers arrived.  

"Thanks to the bravery and quick reactions of these four kind and public-spirited people, the girl returned safely to hospital."

Also among those honoured was Swindon Special Constable Eian Nigel Todd, who joined Wiltshire Police over 29 years ago on 11 November 1993 following initial training in Devizes. 

Special Constable Todd remained at Swindon Central Station from then until 2001, when he moved to Malmesbury. 

In 2014 he returned to Swindon and was later promoted to the rank of Special Sergeant in 2015, leading his own squad of Special Constables supporting the valuable work of the Community Policing Teams.? 

The Wiltshire Police Awards recognise acts of selfless duty, courage, compassion and professionalism.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “It is perhaps more poignant for me this evening, as this will be the last awards ceremony I attend in my capacity as Chief Constable. 

"As most of you know, I will be retiring in the coming months so tonight is my final chance to pay tribute to the incredible work, compassion and dedication of those who choose policing as their vocation.

“Our Force Awards ceremonies are extremely special; they are a moment for us to stop and reflect on the service you have provided, often across decades, and a time to recognise those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“Policing is far more than a job to many of us in this room; it becomes part of who we are and a vocation we dedicate ourselves to.

“We step forward to selflessly protect, serve, keep the peace and deliver the best service we can for victims.  

“Police officers, police staff and volunteers take up this vocation, knowing the risks and dangers, yet freely commit themselves to protect others.”

Also present at the event were the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire Judge Simon Cooper, High Sheriff of Wiltshire Lady Lansdowne and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Russell Holland, who is also a Swindon Borough Councillor.