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Hero risks own life to save plunge man

Alex Scapens
25/ 1/2006

A LIFE-SAVING community bobby who can barely swim dived into an icy river to rescue a drowning man.

Will Brockett, 21, has been hailed a hero by police bosses after rushing into the River Goyt when the man had jumped 100ft off Union Road bridge, New Mills.

Miraculously the 40 year-old escaped serious injury but was being dragged under by the current until Will arrived.

The police community safety officer, who grew up in New Mills, managed to pull the semi-conscious man to the river bank, where he waited 15 minutes for two colleagues to help lift him to safety.

Will said: "I can just about keep afloat. I am an awful swimmer, but I didn't have a choice, the man would probably have died otherwise.

"I was sat at the station when a man came to the door and said get to the river, someone has jumped off the bridge so I ran down there.

"It's a 100ft drop so I've no idea how the man survived. I dragged him to the side but he was too heavy to lift out so I had to wait for two colleagues to help."

The man - from nearby Buxworth - was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital and treated for broken ribs.

After his heroics Will was sent a congratulatory email by Derbyshire's Chief Constable David Coleman. And he hopes one day to join the police as a fully-fledged officer.

Will said: "My dad was in the force for 27 years and my mum still is, so I've never really known anything different and I think it's in the blood. I've always wanted to carry on the tradition."

Chief Insp Pat Walker, from Derbyshire Police, said: "PCSO Brockett acted without thought for his own safety. His actions no doubt saved the man's life and shows his dedication and commitment."