Hero off-duty police volunteer uses HGV as shield to save crash victim on M6
An off-duty Lancashire volunteer police officer who used his HGV to shield a crash victim from oncoming traffic on the M6[1] has been praised for life saving actions.
Special Sergeant Alex Rose, who normally patrols South Division covering Preston[2], Chorley[3], South Ribble[4] and West Lancashire, was off duty and out of uniform when he discovered a crashed vehicle positioned 'dangerously' and facing oncoming traffic on the motorway in Staffordshire. Advertisement Advertisement
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The driver was inside and exposed to 'significant and immediate danger' of being hit. Quick-thinking Alex, who works for the Bowker Group in Bamber Bridge[5] and travels up and down the country for work, instinctively used his lorry as a makeshift barrier, giving the injured driver vital protection from approaching traffi.
He then alerted the emergency services, gave first aid, and helped the driver to safety while warning other motorists and slowing traffic until Staffordshire Police and National Highways arrived.
The scene of the serious collision on the M6 near Staffordshire
Alex said: "I did what any police officer would do.
When I saw the situation unfolding, my only focus was keeping the driver safe and preventing anyone else from being hurt. Advertisement Advertisement
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"The training we receive gives us the confidence to step in, even when we're off duty, and I'm grateful I was in the right place to help."
South Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Ian Jones said: "Alex demonstrated exactly what it means to serve the public, acting with courage, leadership and professionalism even when off duty. His quick thinking ensured the safety of a vulnerable casualty, helped prevent what could have been a far more serious incident and may well have saved the driver's life.
"Our Special Constabulary is an essential part of our policing family.
These are highly committed volunteers who give their time, skills and professionalism to protect the public, often, like Alex, going above and beyond what anyone could expect.
"We are immensely proud of the dedication shown by Alex and all our Specials every single day." Advertisement Advertisement
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William Bowker, from The Bowker Group, said: "We are incredibly proud of Alex and the calm, decisive way he responded in what was clearly a dangerous situation. His actions helped protect other road users and ensured the driver involved was brought to safety.
"On behalf of everyone at the company, I would like to personally thank Alex for his quick thinking and life-saving actions.
We are incredibly proud of the way he stepped in to help."
Special Constables volunteer a minimum of 16 hours of time a month and have the same uniform and powers of arrest as Police Officers.
If you are interested in joining Lancashire[6]'s Special Constabulary, visit the website[7] where you can also sign up for job alerts.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox[8]
References
- ^ the M6 (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Chorley (www.lancs.live)
- ^ South Ribble (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Bamber Bridge (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
- ^ website (joinus.lancashire.police.uk)
- ^ Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox (www.lancs.live)