By Cllr Richard Edis
For a number of years now I have endeavoured to propose an Award Scheme for acts of Bravery, over and above the call of duty in our Borough.
I first took an interest in promoting an Award Scheme after I saved a young girl from drowning on an overseas holiday some years ago. It was then that my involvement first started when, the then Surrey Herald, reported on an occasion when a Michael Crawford (no relation to the Actor) saved the lives of two young children from drowning in Chertsey Lock. This incidence was followed later by a young Police Officer diving into The Thames from Chertsey Bridge and saving a man’s life on a very cold wet evening.
These brave acts continued when two young female Police Officers, Erin Bowditch and Rachel Upton, in 2017, saved a woman from drowning, again at Chertsey Bridge!
Whilst I was able to propose and sponsor the above acts of Bravery, I have not yet been able to extend this to:
Fire Officer Gary Medhurst on Blue Watch at Chertsey Fire Station, who, on his way home one night, saved a man from drowning from the River Wey.
Coming up to date I now understand that two men in December were involved in rescuing a car driver at Chertsey Bridge, who subject to receiving more information, may also be due for a Bravery consideration.