PC Stuart Furlonger has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2024 after displaying remarkable courage during a confrontation with an assailant on a quad bike.
The incident occurred on the night of September 13, 2023, when PC Furlonger and his colleagues, PCs Christopher Hoggett, Janelle Weston, and Penny Oliver, responded to an immediate concern call involving an individual who had overdosed on prescription drugs and required transportation to the hospital.
As the officers were leaving the address after attending to the call, a large quad bike suddenly emerged from the darkness, speeding towards them on the public footpath. Without hesitation, PCs Furlonger, Weston, and Oliver positioned themselves to stop the quad bike.
Tragically, the driver of the quad bike intentionally rammed into PC Furlonger with such force that he was thrown through the air, sustaining a compound fracture to his right leg. Despite the excruciating pain, PC Furlonger remained alert and focused, providing critical updates about the suspect and the circumstances of the incident via radio communication.
While PC Furlonger lay injured on the ground, his colleagues attempted to apprehend the suspect, who fled the scene. However, PC Furlonger’s quick and accurate relay of information ultimately led to the apprehension of the dangerous individual.
PC Furlonger’s road to recovery has been arduous, requiring multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Nevertheless, his unwavering dedication to his duty and determination to return to frontline policing have been unwavering.
Louise Guest, Chair of the Durham Police Federation, commended PC Furlonger’s resilience and selflessness, stating, “Even whilst suffering significant injuries, his early identification and quick thinking in providing valuable updates to his colleagues in the control room led to the apprehension of a dangerous individual within a short period of time.
Durham Police Chief Constable Rachel Bacon expressed gratitude for PC Furlonger’s courageous actions, emphasizing that his dedication and resilience exemplify the commitment of police officers to protect the public.
PC Stuart Furlonger’s bravery in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by police officers in ensuring public safety, and his nomination for the Police Bravery Awards is a well-deserved recognition of his heroic actions.
