Courageous Officers Nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards

A team of Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) officers who entered dangerously cold waters to save the life of a woman who was drowning have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

On 5 October 2023, Greater Manchester Police attended a call to Salford Quays where a woman had entered the water.

When they arrived at the scene the woman was in difficulty and dropping below the water level as her husband and members of the public watched in distress.

Whilst PC Colin Harrison, the designated TAU team leader, maintained command and control and ensured his team members had emergency rescue lines, PCs Nicholas Leach and Joseph Dearnaley bravely entered the water to help the woman.

By this point her life was in danger as she was losing the ability to stay afloat. The officers had to swim approximately 60 meters in freezing cold water, with little visibility on a dark night, to reach the woman.

They worked together to secure the woman and themselves to the rescue lines whilst the rest of the TAU team assisted in pulling them towards the edge of the quay.

Thanks to the brave and selfless actions of PCs Colin Harrison, Nicholas Leach, and Joseph Dearnaley the woman was rescued without serious injury from the water.

Greater Manchester Police Federation Chair Mike Peake said: “All three officers showed immense bravery and teamwork, with two of them entering freezing cold water at night to help a member of the public. Their selfless actions undoubtedly saved a life.”

Stephen Watson QPM, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: “I am proud that PCs Harrison, Leach, and Dearnaley have been rightly recognised for their heroic actions with a nomination at this prestigious national event.

“The three officers demonstrated courage, determination and teamwork that night. They truly represent the very best of Greater Manchester Police and police officers up and down the country.

“They have gone above and beyond in epitomising GMP as the tremendous force for good that it is, with thousands of our men and women prepared to put themselves in danger to protect the public every single day.”