Four police officers who displayed immense bravery by breaking through ice with their hands and elbows in an attempt to rescue young boys trapped beneath a frozen lake have been nominated for this year’s Police Bravery Awards. The officers, who disregarded safety guidelines, were the first responders to the incident at a lake in Solihull, where four boys had disappeared after venturing onto the icy surface and falling through.
Tragically, despite the officers’ valiant efforts, all four boys could not be saved and died following resuscitation attempts. One constable involved in the rescue operation was later hospitalized for mild hypothermia.
Sergeant Fergal Sharkey, who played a crucial role in leading the daring operation, struggled to hold back tears as he recounted the events. He described how the decision was quickly made to enter the water, forming a human chain and utilizing their bare hands and batons to break the ice. However, due to the distance between them and the location where the boys went under, Sgt. Sharkey detached himself from the chain and proceeded to break the ice with his elbows. He reached a point in the lake where the bottom suddenly dropped off, preventing further progress.
Despite being a strong swimmer, Sgt. Sharkey was overcome by the freezing temperatures and had to make the difficult decision to retreat. Firefighters equipped with specialized gear eventually retrieved the boys from beneath the ice, but their lives could not be saved.
The 28th annual Police Bravery Awards, organized by the Police Federation representing lower-ranking officers, includes fourteen officers from the West Midlands force who participated in the Solihull rescue operation. They are among a total of 90 officers from across England and Wales who have been nominated for the prestigious awards.
The results of the awards will be announced tonight, highlighting the exceptional acts of bravery exhibited by officers throughout the year. It is hoped that by acknowledging and celebrating such heroism, public trust in policing can be restored. Chief Constables emphasize the importance of recognizing the courageous acts performed by officers on a daily basis across the country, despite recent scandals and negative publicity.
Other notable nominations include three officers from Hampshire who apprehended a suspect in a burning house while he held a knife to his partner’s throat in front of her two young children. In Northumbria, two officers were nominated for arresting a suspect while being attacked by the suspect’s dog and enduring physical assault. In Nottingham, two officers were recognized for apprehending a man who had stabbed one of them multiple times. Additionally, a detective from Bedfordshire is still undergoing treatment for critical burns sustained while trying to apprehend an arson suspect who tragically fell from a balcony and succumbed to the injuries. Despite his injuries, the detective managed to alert nearby residents to the fire.
The Police Bravery Awards serve as a reminder of the extraordinary courage displayed by police officers who put themselves at risk to protect others and maintain public safety.
