Life-saving PC in esteemed company

An award previously handed to Dracula author, Bram Stoker, and a Russian Tsar has been given to a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer.

As recipient of a prestigious Royal Humane Society award, PC Andrew Copeland has found himself in illustrious company that also includes British Olympic swimmer, Duncan Goodhew and legendary engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The Royal Humane Society awards medals, testimonials, and certificates for acts of bravery in the saving of human life and for effecting successful resuscitations. Awards may be granted to those who have put their own lives at risk to save or attempt to save someone else, or those who have contributed to the saving or attempted saving of life, though they may not have put their own life at risk.

PC Copeland from GMP’s Stockport district, received the Royal Humane Society award for his act of bravery when saving the life of a suicidal female, whilst serving with North Yorkshire Police.

During the incident in 2020, PC Copeland and his colleagues raced to the scene after receiving a report of concern for a woman’s welfare.

On arrival, PC Copeland helped force open a door of the property where the team found the woman unresponsive, after having tried to take her own life. He helped administer first aid until paramedics arrived and then escorted the ambulance to hospital, where the woman was admitted for two weeks, before going on to make a full recovery. 

PC Copeland was recently presented with his certificate by ACC Chris Sykes, during a small ceremony at Greater Manchester Police Headquarters. 

On receiving his award, PC Copeland, said: “It is an incredible honour to receive a Royal Humane Society Award, and I feel extremely proud I am able to play a part in helping keep local communities safe, and in this instance, save a life.

“I don’t do this job for awards or recognition, but when I when read recipients of previous awards and read about what they had done to receive them, I am humbled to join their ranks.

“I am so glad I was able to help prevent the tragic loss of a life, and so glad the female has made a full recovery.”