PC commended for bravery after saving sleeping child from fire

Friends and family of the recipients gathered at Chesterfield police station last Thursday to see their loved ones receive commendations.

PC Carl Newton was given a commendation for an act of bravery on January 25. He attended a report of a car on fire in Killamarsh where flames were nearing a house.

Aware that a sleeping child was in the house, PC Newton broke in and brought her to safety.

Natalia Witczak, who volunteers with the force, was commended for helping a vulnerable domestic abuse victim in November. Based in Shirebrook but originally from Poland, Natalia volunteers her time to help police communicate with people from the town whose first language isn’t English. On this occasion, she spoke to the victim in her own language, helping officers obtain evidence while offering her support and advice.

High Peak resident David Ollerenshaw received a commendation for saving a woman in Glossop last May. He was driving through the town when the woman got into his car and told him she intended to take her own life. She then got out and headed toward a viaduct.

Mr Ollerenshaw followed her, calling 999 and holding onto her until emergency services arrived.

Chief Superintendent Debbie Mathews said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to thank so many officers and members of the public for their good work and brave deeds.

“It was a pleasure to meet so many residents who have been courageous in their actions and saved a life.

“This is just a small selection of the awards we handed out at the ceremony, which was attended by officers and staff from across the division. They are a real credit to the force.”