Police management are praising the efforts of a recently graduated Constable who rescued a distressed woman who jumped off Cobham Drive bridge into the Waikato River last night.
The incident unfolded at about 11.30 pm Friday night when Police were alerted to the woman standing on the railings. She was approached and while talking to Police and Ambulance Staff, jumped off the 15 meter high bridge into the Waikato River.
The Constable then entered the water from the Western bank, swam out and managed to reach her. He then supported her and took her to the river bank until they were both recovered from the water by the Police River boat.
The woman was given CPR en-route to the boat ramp until Ambulance staff took over. Both were taken to Waikato Hospital. The Constable was released a short time later. The woman is still in Hospital receiving treatment.
The Constable’s actions were a clear example of NZ Police’s values in action. The Constable put his own life at risk to save another person who was intent on taking their own.
Without the Constable’s act of bravery the woman’s family and friends could be grieving the loss of a loved one. NZ Police staff wish the woman a quick and long-term recovery.
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