Lifeline Campaign
PC praised for canal rescue bravery
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| PC Ken Chow has been commended for his bravery |
A POLICE officer who risked his life trying to save a man from drowning was commended at a police ceremony yesterday.
PC Ken Chow plunged 15 feet into a freezing cold canal in Thamesmead on June 7 and held Leigh Pitt, 30, until help arrived.
Tragically Mr Pitt, who had jumped in to save a nine-year-old boy, died.
PC Chow was one of 44 police officers singled out for praise at a Greenwich police commendation ceremony at Woolwich Barracks (Nov 21).
Superintendent Brian Cherek told the audience of officers and their families: "He bravely jumped into the water. It was freezing cold.
"He tried to keep Mr Pitt's head above water. He got to the point there was no more he could do as his own life was in serious danger."
The 28-year-old was then rescued from Broadwater Lock by members of the London Fire Brigade.
Supt Cherek said: "Ken Chow is commended for bravery and prompt and courageous action."
PC Chow, who attended the ceremony with his family, said: "I'm just proud to be recognised for the work I did and privileged to be part of a team."
As a result of the incident, News Shopper and Mr Pitt's fiancee, Hema Shah,
started a Lifeline Campaign for safety measures at the canal, which have now been installed.
Other police officers commended include Detective Constables Dave Groom and James Mbalira, who caught and arrested an armed robber carrying a loaded gun. They were unarmed.
And Executive Officer Leanne Goodacre, a control room worker, managed to persuade a violent man threatening to kill himself with a knife to put it down and turn himself in to officers.
10:29am Thursday 22nd November 2007
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