Essex Police officer awarded force’s highest honour

An Essex Police officer who risked his life to save a teenager has been presented with the force’s top honour by the Chief Constable.

PC Sam Owen was one of several officers responding to reports of a teenager standing on the edge of a bridge above the A12 last October.

Although colleagues were trying to engage with her, while others were putting roadblocks in place, Sam sensed that she was about to fall and positioned himself on the road beneath so he could break it.

The teenager’s mother said after the ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford: “We were told by the air ambulance crew that if it hadn’t been for Sam, our daughter wouldn’t be here today.

“We think of him every day. Sam never goes far from our minds at all. We look at her and think ‘you’ve come so far’ and think of Sam.”

“Every day in this great force, exceptional things are done and achieved. But every now and then there is an act, carried out in the line of duty, that is beyond exceptional. In those circumstances it is my great privilege and honour to bestow the Merit Star to PC Owen as Essex Police’s highest honour of commendation and recognition.

“Yours was an act of bravery, courage and compassion that saved the life of a teenager in distress, without any thought for your own safety. It was a truly remarkable and selfless act, Sam. Thank you.”

Ben-Julian Harrington, Chief Constable, Essex Police.

In October 2023, Essex Police received numerous calls from motorists and off-duty police officers about a teenager standing on the edge of a bridge.

On-duty colleagues worked quickly to put in roadblocks to stop oncoming traffic while Sam stood below the teenager to reassure her. Despite the best efforts of police officers on the bridge itself to engage with her, the teenager suddenly fell.

Sam, of Colchester Community Policing Team, positioned himself directly beneath her to try and catch her, to soften her landing and ensure her head and upper body did not hit the road. He and fellow officers then administered emergency first aid until the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance arrived.

Sam was presented with his Merit Star after receiving a Chief Constable’s Commendation, alongside other colleagues who have gone above and beyond in their work to help people, keep them safe and catch criminals. He has also been presented with an Essex Police Federation Bravery Award for his brave actions.

“It’s incredible. It’s such an honour. To receive a Chief Constable’s Commendation alone is a massive honour and to receive the Merit Star is a very proud moment for me and my family.”

PC Sam Owen.

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