Chief Constable’s award ceremony

A teenager who helped pull his father from a canal following a heart attack has been recognised for the courage he showed in a medical emergency.

Morgan Johnson, 17, was one of 22 people who were recognised at the Chief Constable’s Awards Ceremony, hosted at the Kent Police Training School.

Two members of the public and a police sergeant who assisted Morgan were also awarded, as were two police officers who performed CPR on a woman who suffered a fit.

The awards were presented by Alan Pughsley, the Chief Constable of Kent Police, on Tuesday 27 June 2017.  Also present were Matthew Scott, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent Police, and Mr George Jessel, the High Sheriff of Kent – who was the guest of honour.

Canal

On 19 July 2016 Morgan was cycling with his father, Neil Johnson, in Hythe.

The teenager was cycling slightly ahead when his dad descended down a bank and into a canal after earlier experiencing chest pain.

The teenager cradled his father in the water until a passer-by, Michael Doble, helped him pull Mr Johnson out of the water and onto the bank.

Shortly after Maxine Lee, a health care professional saw, what was happening and rushed to the scene.

Sergeant Steve Mart was also flagged down by members of the public. Between them Mr Doble, Ms Lee and Sgt Mart immediately commenced CPR.

Mr Johnson was subsequently shocked several times with a defibrillator by paramedics and went on to survive the significant heart attack.

Mr Doble, Ms Lee and Sgt Mart each received the Resuscitation Certificate from the Royal Humane Society. The teenager was presented with an honorary testimonial.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ‘Morgan showed a tremendous amount of bravery to enter the canal and pull his father to safety and it is fitting that he receives this testimonial.

‘The combined, courageous efforts of Mr Doble, Ms Lee and Sgt Mart also played a significant role in saving Mr Johnson’s life and it is a pleasure to present each of them with this award.’

Medical emergency

Police Constables Adam Moore and Mark Simcox also received the Resuscitation Certificate after they performed CPR on a woman for 15 minutes.

The two constables came across the woman after she had suffered a fit in a Dartford car park on 16 August 2016. Numerous members of the public were attempting to treat her after she became unresponsive, prompting fears she had gone into cardiac arrest.

Between them Constables Moore and Simcox performed CPR on the woman for 15 minutes, resulting in her regaining consciousness and normal breathing.

She was later conveyed to hospital by paramedics and discharged a short time later.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ‘It is without doubt that the decisive actions taken by Police Constables Moore and Simcox saved the life of the woman.

‘Their calmness in an emergency, and their utmost professionalism, maintain the finest traditions of Kent Police.’

Improving efficiency

Police staff employees Rosa Townsend and Nickolas Beardmore received the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Merit for creating a high quality IT application that can manage and process bail following changes to legislation which went live on 3 April 2017.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ‘Rosa and Nick are both commended for their hard work, tenacity and attention to detail in developing such a high quality product.

‘They were given a challenging timescale to work with and their efforts have resulted in a significant positive impact on operational policing within Kent Police and Essex Police.’