Met officers commended for saving man's life in Camden

Officers from Camden and Islington were commended on Wednesday, 31 January for saving a man’s life after they found him suffering from a heart attack.

PC’s Clift, Okamback, Priestly and Tigwell, from Kentish Town Police Station, were recognised for saving the life of a man who was suffering a heart attack on 17 January 2023. The officers worked with the London Ambulance Service to give the man CPR, until he was taken to hospital to receive further treatment.

The officers were just a few who received commendations during an awards ceremony for Met officers across Camden and Islington at the Emirates Stadium.

The patient, Robert Barker, attended the awards ceremony to thank the officers for the lifesaving care he received that day.

Mr Barker said: “It’s an honour to be here at the awards ceremony to thank the four officers who aided in saving my life.

“The Met reached out to inform me that the officers would be awarded for their great work and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to attend to meet them once again.

“I have no recollection of that day but I was informed by the hospital that I suffered a heart attack which resulted in one officer administering CPR, saving my life.

“Each officer played a pivotal role to ensure my safety and inform my family of the incident. Their swift actions are why I am here today and I’m thankful to the Met for inviting me to express my gratitude.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Carter, in charge of policing in Central North area, covering Camden and Islington, said: “The Met is building A New Met for London and a crucial part of this is helping our officers and staff to succeed.

“These brilliant officers have demonstrated passion, professionalism and courage while policing the streets of Camden and Islington. The awards ceremony was an opportunity to not only acknowledge but celebrate hard work on delivering the Met’s priorities of less crime, more trust, and high standards.

“Once again, I would like to thank my officers for their diligence and contribution to making London a safer place.”

Another award winner was PC Colohan, who was recognised for helping to take 64 violent offenders off the streets of London. PC Colohan works with offenders to help prevent them from returning to a life of crime. However, when individuals re-offend, she is in the position to successfully identify them to ensure they are re-arrested and face trial.

+ If you would like to make a difference by fighting crime and serving communities, consider a rewarding career as a Met police officer. See www.met.police.uk/careers for more information.