Hero Cop Faces Quad Bike Assault, Still Nabs Suspect
PC Stuart Furlonger is up for the National Police Bravery Awards 2024 after a gutsy stand against a violent quad bike attack.
Blazing Night of September 13, 2023
PC Furlonger, along with PCs Christopher Hoggett, Janelle Weston, and Penny Oliver, rushed to help a man who overdosed on prescription drugs. They were tasked with getting him to hospital amidst crowded A&E wards.
As they left the scene, a speeding quad bike suddenly barreled down a public footpath, aimed straight at the officers.
Quad Bike Rams PC Furlonger, But He Keeps His Cool
Without hesitation, PCs Furlonger, Weston, and Oliver moved to block the bike. The driver cruelly struck PC Furlonger, hurling him into the air and causing a brutal compound fracture to his right leg.
Despite the agony, PC Furlonger stayed sharp. He kept radioing crucial info about the suspect and the chaotic scene – proving nerves of steel under fire.
Suspect Apprehended Thanks to Quick Thinking
While PC Furlonger lay injured, his colleagues chased the fleeing suspect. The officer’s rapid updates were key to catching the dangerous individual shortly after.
PC Furlonger now faces a tough recovery with multiple surgeries and months of rehab. Yet his resolve to return to frontline duty remains rock solid.
Tributes Pour In for Bravery and Dedication
Louise Guest, Chair of the Durham Police Federation, said: “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 added: “His dedication and resilience exemplify the commitment of police officers to protect the public.”
PC Stuart Furlonger’s heroic stand highlights the daily risks officers take to keep our streets safe. His Police Bravery Awards nomination is more than deserved.
