PC recognised for river plunge rescue (From Western Telegraph)

PC recognised for river plunge rescue

5:20pm Sunday 28th October 2012 in County News

Pembrokeshire policeman PC Rhys Evans has been recognised once more for his bravery, after he dived into an icy River Cleddau in January 2011 to save a woman from drowning.

Dyfed-Powys Police Officer Evans jumped into the river to the aid of a 19- year-old who had fallen into the river near County Hall, Haverfordwest, at around 2am on January 16th, 2011.

The thirty-nine-year-old was among a handful of Welsh officers who were nominated for a Police Bravery Award, which were handed out in London last Thursday, while he was also presented with High Sheriff of the City of London Award last week.

Police officers had tried to throw lifelines to the woman from the riverbank, but strong currents had dragged her some 350 metres down the river past the Bristol Trader pub.

PC Evans decided to take the plunge and swim 30ft to the teenager, before getting her to the safety of dry land with the help of fellow officers and a street pastor.