Edmund Barker: Police Constable who stopped a young man from taking his life gets National Bravery Award

Police Constable Edmund Barker

Constable Edmund Barker, from GMP’s Rochdale borough, who risked his life by saving a drunken man from jumping to his death, has received a national Police Bravery Award.

PC Barker was recognised at the 21st Police Bravery Awards on Thursday night (14 July).

On a cold, dark night in January 2015, PC Barker arrived at Rochdale Town Hall less than a minute after receiving the call to find a drunk, emotional 21-year-old man 40ft up the fire escape, sitting on a ledge in the snow. He had broken free of his worried friends who were trying to reason with him from nearby.

Without a thought for his safety, the officer quickly climbed up to the roof and tried to speak to the man, who was moving closer to the edge in slippery, wet conditions. Suddenly the man turned and moved to jump, but PC Barker was quick enough to grab him by his neck and shoulders in a desperate attempt to stop him falling.

The young man struggled to break free, but PC Barker was able to hit his emergency button on his radio to call for back-up while holding on tight to the man. The officer clung on to the man as he thrashed around on the edge of the roof until his colleagues arrived and were able to pull them clear of danger.

The distraught man tried again to throw himself from the roof, but the officers were able to handcuff him and restrain his legs to stop him being a further risk to himself. The young man was carried from the roof and taken to hospital to receive care and support.

PC Barker said: “When I arrived it was lashing down with rain and there was sleet and snow. His friends were holding onto him but they were losing their strength.

“I took over but he tried to go over again and I managed to get hold of him around the neck and shoulders because the rest of his body was hanging off the edge of the fire escape.

“I was so relieved when I saw the blue lights arriving to help take him to hospital because I thought I was going to drop him.

“It was a really proud moment for me and my family and I’m gobsmacked to be put forward for the Police Bravery awards. It’s nice to get some recognition and appreciation, but I was helped by his friends and my colleagues.”

Ian Hanson, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “PC Barker showed incredible bravery in his split-second decision to hold on to the man as he tried to jump. His cool head and quick thinking certainly saved this man’s life.”

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: “This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Police Bravery Awards and the eighth consecutive year that Police Mutual has sponsored them. We are proud to continue our support for such an inspirational event in the policing calendar and to be able to show our respect for the exceptional courage shown by police officers who risk their lives every day to protect the public.”

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “PC Barker showed incredible bravery with his split second decision making to hold onto this vulnerable man who was attempting to jump from the roof.

“There was a genuine risk of him being carried over the edge of the snow covered fire escape, which could’ve had tragic consequences for both men.

“PC Barker’s cool head and quick thinking saved this young man from certain death and I am delighted that he is now safe and well.

“I commended PC Barker back in January and I’m delighted that he has been nominated for this national award - a huge congratulations.”