An Essex Pc who helped save a life on his first shift was among officers awarded commendations at an awards ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters today.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh presented the commendations, one of the highest honours a Chief Constable can give.

The commendations recognise officers and members of the public who have saved lives and helped people who were in emotional distress or required serious medical attention.

Family, friends and special guests including Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Lindsay Whitehouse, watched on as the officers received their awards.

Pc Luke Gamman received a commendation for reviving a woman who was found unconscious in Rochford train station, where it was thought without the officers’ actions the woman would have died.

The incident happened on Pc Gamman’s very first day on shift, while he was under the tutelage of Pc John Skingsley, who also received a commendation for his part in saving the woman’s life.

Pc Gamman said: "I was pretty nervous anyway because it was my first day, but the training kicked in and we managed to help the lady regain consciousness.

"I’m just pleased that we were able to help”.

Sergeant Ben Woollard, who is stationed in Basildon, saved a man whilst he was off duty playing in a football match in Rochford.

One of the players collapsed with a suspected heart attack and Sgt Woollard performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived.

It was later established that the man was fortunate to have survived and only did so due to Sgt Woollard’s actions.

Four Shoebury officers, Sergeant Tracey Butt and Pcs David Gardiner, Tracey Cornish and Sharon Blaxland were also recognised for saving the life of a woman who had suffered a suspected heart attack in the back of a taxi.

They got the woman out of the taxi and gave her life-saving CPR until paramedics arrived and then they remained with her family, providing support, assistance and reassurance.

Four Southend officers, Pcs Anthony Brackett, Blake Sanders, Luke Williams and Lindsay Wigington attempted to save a Westcliff man who was trying to take his own life.

They gave CPR on the man until paramedics arrived to take him to hospital. Sadly, he later died.

Pcs Christopher Lodge, James Shelton and Edward Stretton who are based in Grays were commended for their decisive action, quick thinking and professionalism when bringing a woman back down to safety from fencing across the Dartford River Crossing.

Southend officer Pc Shane Robinson was praised for his compassion in leading a distressed woman to safety from the roof of Southend hospital.

Grays Sergeant Lee Stannard was notably commended for his bravery in dealing with a man who had a knife and was intent on causing harm to himself.

His intervention led to the man being taken to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to treat his injuries.

Finally, two Billericay Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Christopher Higginson and Clare Boreham were commended for taking decisive action in intervening when a man tried to hang himself in woodland.

Mr Kavanagh said: "Leadership is not about rank or insignia – it’s what we carry inside. These officers are truly brave, truly remarkable and these commendations show what we really do and what support we give.

"This day is to say thank you for remarkable police work and to stop and recognise the tremendous acts you do on a daily basis. This truly is British policing at its finest”.

Mr Whitehouse added: "I am here on behalf of the people of Essex to thank you for the service you provide.

"Ordinarily my role is to hold Essex Police to account – today I want to hold you to account for your hard work, your bravery, for your good judgement, your commitment, your support and the work that you do to keep the people of Essex safe”.