Surrey Officer Jay Wakefield Wins 3 Awards and National Bravery Nomination for Burning-Car Rescue
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 26
Surrey Officer Jay Wakefield Wins 3 Awards and National Bravery Nomination for Burning-Car Rescue
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 26
PC Jay Wakefield has been nominated for the Police Federation's National Police Bravery Award after pulling an unconscious driver from a burning car on the A281 in Shermanbury on 27 June 2025, moments before it exploded.
The Surrey officer, driving an unmarked car, ran to the crash involving a car and a lorry, dragged the driver clear, then handed the casualty to a nurse at the scene.
Wakefield then found the lorry driver wandering in shock, secured medical help, and coordinated road closures and responding units as emergency crews, including an air ambulance, arrived.
Surrey Police said Wakefield's actions saved a life; he has already received a Chief Constable's Commendation, a Royal Humane Society award and a bronze medal from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
The national bravery award is due to be presented on 9 July, adding to formal recognition of what Surrey Police called an example of policing at its best.
As Surrey Police faces calls for improvement, how does this officer's heroism reflect the force's true state?
This officer saved one life, but what is being done about the West Sussex roads that injured thousands last year?
What became of the unconscious driver the officer risked his life to save moments before the car exploded?