A Dover police officer was voted the bravest cop in the South East at the 11th annual Police Bravery Awards held in London on Thursday night.
PC Paul Howe clinched the title at a glittering awards night, organised by the Police Federation and sponsored by The Sun. It was staged at The Dorchester in the presence of The Duke of Kent, Home Secretary, John Reid, and a host of celebrities.
The honour followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where he met Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with 55 other nominees from forces throughout England and Wales.
Dad-of-two Paul was among eight regional winners at the ceremony to recognise officers who put themselves at risk of death or serious harm performing their duties.
He received the accolade for risking his own life to save a suicidal man setting fire to himself. The man had doused himself and his car in fuel when PC Howe tracked him to an isolated spot on Dover's Western Heights and attempted to talk him around.
The man was on a mobile phone with matches in his hand when Paul approached him. The officer could see the man was covered in petrol and had doused his car in fuel.
Pc Howe was repeatedly warned to stay away by the man who insisted he would torch himself if the officer came any closer. But Paul continued to talk to gain his trust and close in on him.
"I knew I was standing in petrol, the man was soaked in petrol and the inside of the car was full of petrol. I either had to try and save him or walk away to safety whilst he turned himself into a human torch. I couldn't walk away," said Paul.
When the man said he needed to go to the toilet, and put the matches down, PC Howe seized the moment to spray him with CS. But the man dived into his car in a bid to grab a lighter.
A violent struggle ensued during the late evening incident which saw PC Howe use all his strength to save the man's life. Despite being kicked in the stomach, chest and arms, Paul knew if the man reached the lighter they would both be killed.
Just as the officer was losing strength, they were both pulled clear of the vehicle by police colleagues who arrived on the scene following an earlier call for back-up from PC Howe.
Recalling the incident, the officer said: "Despite being assaulted and fearing for my life, I didn't want the man charged. He clearly needed help, not a prosecution."
The man later complained that police officers had used excessive force to save his life. The complaint was subsequently withdrawn.
Jan Berry, Chair of the Police Federation which organises the Police Bravery Awards, said: "Paul's determination to save a man's life at great risk to his own shows enormous courage and compassion. He is a credit to the police service and an asset to his community. We hope this award goes some way towards recognising his bravery."
Rebekah Wade, Editor of The Sun, said: "The Sun is exceptionally proud to be associated with the Police Bravery Awards and to have the opportunity to recognise courageous officers such as Constable Howe. He faced a terrifying situation but reacted with immense courage and determination to save the man's life despite the obvious danger to himself. We hope this award is fitting acknowledgement of his bravery and would like to congratulate all the police officers nominated for an award."
