Heroic police officer that saved the life of a toddler who fell into the Water of Leith is among winners honoured in Police Scotland awards

A hero police officer who jumped in the Water of Leith to save a toddler's life has been honoured today as part of The Chief Constable's Bravery and Excellence Awards.
Detective Constable Glynn Powell jumped into the Water of Leith while off duty in September, 2020, to rescue a three-year-old girl who had fallen into the water.Detective Constable Glynn Powell jumped into the Water of Leith while off duty in September, 2020, to rescue a three-year-old girl who had fallen into the water.
Detective Constable Glynn Powell jumped into the Water of Leith while off duty in September, 2020, to rescue a three-year-old girl who had fallen into the water.

Detective Constable Glynn Powell jumped into the Water of Leith while off duty in September, 2020, to rescue a three-year-old girl who had fallen into the water.

He administered emergency first aid after pulling the child to safety and the girl went on to make a full recovery.

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In light of his heroic efforts, Detective Powell has been honoured with The Bravery and Meritorious Conduct award in The Chief Constable's Bravery and Excellence Awards.

Detective Constable Glynn Powell entered the Water of Leith while off duty to rescue a three-year-old child who had fallen into the river.Detective Constable Glynn Powell entered the Water of Leith while off duty to rescue a three-year-old child who had fallen into the river.
Detective Constable Glynn Powell entered the Water of Leith while off duty to rescue a three-year-old child who had fallen into the river.

The ceremony was held virtually today, Friday, February, 19, and celebrated the outstanding achievements and bravery of Police Scotland officers and staff, as well as other people across the country who went above and beyond to help in emergency incidents.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM presented the 25 Bravery awards to 31 police officers and 16 members of the public.

Among the winners outside the police force were Natasha Huk and Robert Petrie.

The pair were on Leith Shore when they saw an elderly woman fall into the water.

Robert Petrie jumped into the water at Leith shore, along with Natasha Huk who isn't pictured, to save the life of an elderly woman who had fallen in.Robert Petrie jumped into the water at Leith shore, along with Natasha Huk who isn't pictured, to save the life of an elderly woman who had fallen in.
Robert Petrie jumped into the water at Leith shore, along with Natasha Huk who isn't pictured, to save the life of an elderly woman who had fallen in.

They jumped into the freezing cold water after her and pulled the 86-year-old woman to safety, saving her life.

The woman made a full recovery and Ms Huk and Mr Petrie have been presented with the award for Bravery and Meritorious Conduct.

Mr Livingstone said: “The last 12 months have underlined the relentless and challenging nature of policing.

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“Officers and staff are playing a crucial role supporting the national response to coronavirus. At the same time, they continue to meet the needs of our communities, providing day-to-day policing and responding to a number of demanding and high profile incidents.

“Today is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding policing which occurs all over Scotland, day in, day out, and to commend members of the public for the selfless acts of bravery and courage to help their fellow citizens."

Others honoured include Detective Inspector Michael McCullagh of the Cybercrime Investigations Unit who was named Police Officer of the Year for his work in helping develop the overall understanding of cybercrime in Scotland, and Ms Susanne Carmichael of the Specialist Crime Division who was awarded the Police Scotland Unsung Hero Award.

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