Fisherman receives an award for river rescue

Jenness Mitchell • Published 19 Jan 2012 08:00 1 Comment

A local fisherman was recognised for his heroism at Central Scotland Police's annual ceremony for rescuing a man drowning in the River Forth.

On Thursday William McBrien (30) received a Testimonial on Parchment from the Royal Humane Society, a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life, following a recommendation by the police force for his daring assistance at Alloa Harbour in June 2010.

William, who had gone for a walk prior to getting picked up for a party, came across police officers at the river bank throwing life belts into the water.

A man had drifted out, but due to health and safety legislation, officers were prevented from diving into the water.

A lifeboat was on its way, but William knew that by the time it arrived from Queensferry it would have been too late.

The valiant hero then dragged a dingy down the pier, through the mud and against the tide to reach the man himself.

It was a struggle to get the man in the boat, but on returning to the bank the man was able to receive treatment from paramedics who managed to revive him and take him to hospital - saving his life.

Despite the excitement William made his party on that fateful night, although he was "a bit late."

Speaking to the Advertiser, William said, "I feel kind of special. It's nice to get this honour. I would do it again."

William received a congratulatory phone call from the sergeant and a letter of appreciation from the Chief Constable.

His actions also earned him a new nickname from friends - The Hoff (after Baywatch's Michael Hasselhoff).

He said, "It's a nice thing to have on the CV.

"Apparently my grandfather (William) received the same award 50 years ago in 1962 for doing the same thing."

Also at the ceremony, Community Constable Donna McVitie, who covers the areas of Tullibody, Cambus and Glenochil, was presented with the Federation Cup for her improvement of theoretical knowledge by personal effort and application.

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 18 Jan 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  midge
  Unregistered User
  Jan 20, 23:45
  Report comment

  good for mr mcbrien hope you are around if I ever get in trouble, because it looks like you have little chance of survival if left to local bobbies time common sense came in and health and safety rules stuffed if they could throw life belts why didnt one wear one with rope attached and be ready to pull cop and sick man in ???
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

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