Dumbarton police officer almost drowned in Storm Babet

Dumbarton's PC Sally Nicol waded through mud to help motorists stranded on the A83 in Argyll and Bute in October last year during Storm Babet.

A landslip had already caused a blockage on the road, and it continued to rain heavily. The conditions became so bad she thought she was going to drown as the “hills moved”.

The officer spent the following hours rescuing members of the public, stopping others from travelling towards the danger area, and ensuring her own colleagues remained safe.

After warning fellow officers not to follow her due to the risk to their lives, she implemented an evacuation plan for several members of the public.

Witnesses reported hearing “a loud rumbling” as avalanches of mud descended towards the group, before they were rescued by helicopter to nearby Inverary Castle.

She will now be recognised on the national stage for her incredible act of bravery and risking her own life.

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“Each time she heard that noise she wondered if this would be the one that washed them all away,” said PS Brian Simpson, who nominated her for an award.

Sally is one of 29 officers across Scotland who will be recognised for acts of bravery and service to the public at the Scottish Police Federation ceremony in Edinburgh.

Sally will be one of 29 police officers recognised for their incredible acts of bravery in Edinburgh this week (Image: Sally Young Photography) David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Reading through the nominations for this year’s awards is a humbling experience and demonstrates the extraordinary bravery and commitment shown by our officers.

“The situations dealt with by police serving our communities can sometimes be extremely dangerous, and none of us should ever take what they do for granted.

“Our annual awards are a moment to recognise those who go above and beyond to keep the public safe with dignity and resolve, before coming back to work to do it all again.

“We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements. They are a credit to themselves and to Scottish policing.”

The officer spent hours rescuing members of the public on the Rest and Be Thankful saving drivers (Image: Sally Young Photography)
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “The bravery, dedication, skill and professionalism of our officers is hugely impressive and I thank the Scottish Police Federation for shining a light on some of their outstanding work.

“These awards are an important night in the policing calendar, when we recognise and celebrate our officers for their vital public service.

“I thank all officers and their families for everything they do for policing and our communities and offer warm congratulations to nominees and recipients.”