Two officers have been commended who acted in a ‘selfless and exceptionally brave’ way putting their own lives at risk at the scene of a fatal crash on the M6.

Gavin Walsh and Shane Doherty were first at the scene of a multi-vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the M6 at Tebay on October 15, 2024.

The pair, with little thought to their own safety, approached a vehicle which was rapidly catching fire and rescued a young child trapped inside.

READ MORE: Tributes Paid To Victims, Including Two Children, Who Were Killed In M6 Crash

Chief Inspector Sam Turner, Cumbria Police Operational Support, nominated the men for a Chief Constable’s commendation.

Chief Inspector Turner said: “The actions of both men showed extraordinary courage and instinctive heroism during a harrowing and distressing situation.

“I had no hesitation in recommending them for this award, in recognition of their selfless and exceptionally brave actions.”

Commendations were also awarded to officers and staff who responded to the collision and those who carried out the post-collision investigation.

Those commended included:

• PC Kimberley Bell
• DC Vanessa Busby
• DC Caroline Middleton
• PC Jess Powley
• PC Claire Whatman
• PC Gareth Jones
• PC Aimee Bish
• Insp Kim Brown
• PC Nick Johns
• PC Terry Lindsay
• Sgt Andrew Robinson
• Sgt David White
• DS Deborah Story

Chief Inspector Turner said: “This was a major incident which required coordination and effective management at the scene, as well as a professional and effective investigative response.

“In addition, the families of those involved had to be identified and supported through what was a terrible and heart-breaking incident.

“The resilience, teamwork, professionalism and leadership from all staff in such emotional and challenging circumstances was truly commendable.”