United Kingdom: Police officer who was struck by van and continued with duties receives award
A Scunthorpe police officer who was struck by a van and continued with his duties - making two arrests - has been recognised in the Chief Constable’s Commendations. Police officers and members of the public received an official citation at the Chief Constable’s Commendation Awards ceremony, held at the KCOM Stadium in Hull last Tuesday (July 25).
The Chief Constable’s Commendations are awarded twice a year and recognise the outstanding efforts of police officers and members of the public that have acted beyond the level of normal expectation to serve our community. One of the officers to receive a commendation was PC Phil O’Neill, Community Beat Manager at Ashby Police Station.
He was recognised for the part he played in securing the arrest of two men despite being deliberately struck by a van driven by their accomplices. PC O’Neill, 56, had attended an incident on November 24 last year, after a bank had alerted police that an elderly and vulnerable member of the community had tried to withdraw thousands of pounds to pay workmen.
They had demanded this large sum of money after agreeing to clear the victim’s gutters for £40 and complete paintwork for a further £500. On arriving at the address, PC O’Neill found four men, two of which immediately attempted to leave in a white van, deliberately driving at the police officer in making their escape and striking him on the arm.
Despite this, he was still able to assist his colleague, PC Mick Tune, in arresting the two other men. Speaking after receiving the commendation, PC O’Neill said: "I did know about the award. I was told I was going to be in for a commendation but I did not think anything more on it.
"I got an email saying I got it and I needed to attend the KCOM stadium.
"Sgt Howard Garlic was quite impressed in the way I just continued with my work."I came into work the next day (after the incident) and he said not many people would have done that." PC O’Neill said he put his hands out to stop the van driving off but it struck him and spun him 360 degrees, causing him to fall to the floor.
He managed to get a partial registration number for the vehicle and went on to make two arrests with his colleague. "I was determined someone was going to get locked up. My main concern was getting the driver," he said. PC O’Neill said he attended the hospital and luckily only had bruising to his right arm and a few scrapes.
Speaking about the ceremony, he said: "It was good to hear other officers getting their awards and what they have done."
Humberside Police Chief Constable, Lee Freeman said: PC Phil O’Neill was recognised for his outstanding professionalism, dedication to duty and determination to protect the public. "Despite being struck by a van, he managed to help in the arrest of two suspects and then remained at work to complete his shift. I am very proud of him.” A total of 43 separate commendations were awarded on July 25 to 120 officers, including two members of the public.
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