Heroic Tameside police officer receives special award

A brave Tameside police officer has been recognised for his heroism, after rescuing a man from Ashton Canal earlier this year.

The STARS Awards honours the brave officers, investigative teams, volunteers, and police staff of Greater Manchester Police that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in 2020.

This year, PC James Briggs (pictured), of the Tameside district, received the Safety – Bravery award.

Shortly before 5pm on 13 May, PC Briggs spotted an unresponsive man submerged in the Ashton Canal, close to Cavendish Mill in Ashton. Unable to reach him using one of the public footpaths, he swiftly climbed over a nearby fence, before being informed that the civilian had drifted into an unlit tunnel.

At this point, members of the public were aware of the police presence and notified PC Briggs and the team that the male had drifted under the bridge. PC Briggs immediately realised that the man was in serious danger as the bridge was in fact an unlit tunnel that is approximately a mile long. Knowing that time was of the essence, PC Briggs called out to the male but received no response. 

Concerned for the man's safety, he took the brave decision to jump into the canal and swim towards him. Once PC Briggs had reached the man, officers standing at the side of the canal pulled them both to safety using a rescue line. The man was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital to receive further treatment, and has since made a full recovery.

Winners of the awards are nominated by colleagues and peers for their dedication and achievements.

PC Briggs and other winners would have usually attended an award ceremony, but this was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins thanked each individual and presented them with their prestigious awards.

Mr Hopkins said: "The STARS Awards is a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise the exceptional work and achievements that have taken place across the force throughout the year.

"The actions of each winner provide a small snapshot of the amazing work that goes on across the force on a daily basis. I would like to congratulate all the officers, staff, and volunteers that were nominated and received awards, it is something to be incredibly proud of given that this has been a challenging year for us all.”