Three Helicopter Pilots Nominated for Bravery

The two U.K. police officers and helicopter pilot were nominated for the country’s Police Bravery Awards, which honor police officers in England and Wales for heroic actions. The team saved a woman from drowning in the River Derwent in Derbyshire, England. Pilot and Captain Eric Church, hovered near power lines, while Constable Graham Fish tossed a rescue float to the woman, but she couldn’t reach it. The crew felt her life was at risk so Captain Church used the helicopter’s downwash to blow the woman towards the bank where Sergeant Ian Worthington and Constable Fish jumped from the aircraft into the water and, despite wearing heavy gear, Constable Fish swam ten meters (33 ft) to rescue the woman. Both officers swam her to a fallen tree and comforted her for almost half an hour before the fire service arrived by boat. This year marks the 13th anniversary for the Police Bravery Awards. The ceremony will take place on 10th July 2008, Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA. Nominations for the R&W Helicopter Heroism Awards are now open, click here to vote for those that serve. To attend the 2008 Search & Reston Summit, Sept. 18 in Reston, Va., click here. For Related News