Heroic Rochdale Police Officer Mohammed Nadeem honoured with British Citizen Award for Services to the Community

Heroic policeman Mohammed Nadeem, who single-handedly saved a man from an icy river in February 2018, has been recognised with the coveted British Citizen Award.

Despite not being a strong swimmer, PC Nadeem, who lives in Rochdale, jumped into the fast-flowing river Irwell to save a man who was trying to end his life. 

PC Nadeem arrived at the scene whilst he was a trainee officer at the Greater Manchester Police Force, Bury Division.

On seeing the distressed man struggling in the water, PC Nadeem jumped an 8ft drop into the river and swam towards him. The brave officer was still wearing his heavy protective clothing, as there had been no time to take it off, and his body camera, which captured footage of the whole incident.

Over the next 20 minutes PC Nadeem, who admitted he is “not a great swimmer”, battled to keep the man from drowning and finally managed to haul him against the current to the safety of the bank.

The man whose life the officer saved was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital to receive treatment.

The British Citizen Award (BCA), in association with One-Stop, is now in its sixth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities. PC Nadeem is honoured with a BCAc for Services to the Community.

Due to the current lockdown, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster is unable to take place. For only the second time in its history, Mohammed and the remaining 26 medallists received their BCA medals by courier, together with video messages of congratulations together with an invitation to the House of Lords at a date yet to be determined, when it is safe to do so.

PC Nadeem's bravery during this incident was also recognised when he was awarded a Pride of Manchester Award for Emergency Services in 2019.
 

Read more: Rochdale's PC Mohammed Nadeem wins Pride of Manchester AwardPublished: 09 May 2019

PC Nadeem has also volunteered around Rochdale for over 20 years at local youth clubs, campaigning for many local causes, keeping children off the streets and has been motivated to be involved in something positive. He also took part in dozens of projects, charity fundraising and supporting local causes such as refugee issues and food poverty. He went on to become a youth worker and a Police Community Support Officer before gaining successful entry into the mainstream police force.  

PC Nadeem has given a large portion of his life to volunteering, helping the wider youth and community since his teenage years. He continues to support those from socially, economically and deprived backgrounds.

Jonny McQuarrie, Managing Director from BCA partner One Stop said: “Each time a new group of medalists are selected it reminds us of how great the people of this nation are. We serve many communities up and down the country through the One Stop convenience stores, and these particular individuals being recognised now, especially at this time of extraordinary circumstance, reflects all that is good about community spirit. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping them to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all 27 honourees.”

Sponsor Experian, who would normally have presented PC Nadeem with his medal, said: “We are so pleased to present Mohammed with his award for making an outstanding contribution to his local community and having such a positive impact on society.”

The British Citizen Award was established in 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly making a positive impact on society. The BCA recognises true pillars of the community, whose divergent endeavours deserve honouring, but might otherwise likely be overlooked.

Dubbed the People’s Honours, each Medal bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional individuals twice annually.

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.