Milton Keynes Officer Wins Bravery Award for Solo Lorry Rescue Attempt

Milton Keynes Officer Honoured for Solo Lorry Rescue Attempt

An officer who was single-crewed when she encountered a critical traffic incident and attempted to save a man's life has been honoured with an Excellence Award at the Thames Valley Police Federation Bravery Awards.

Critical Incident on December Morning

On the morning of December 23, 2024, Acting Sergeant Leanne Burns-Bright was travelling in an unmarked police vehicle in Milton Keynes when she came across a lorry that had crashed into the bridge of an overpass. The vehicle was positioned halfway across the carriageway, causing significant traffic congestion with cars backed up behind it.

Without hesitation, A/Sgt Burns-Bright immediately stopped and approached the scene, identifying herself as a police officer and taking control of the situation to ensure public safety.

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Medical Emergency and Rescue Efforts

Upon reaching the lorry, she discovered the driver was experiencing a severe medical episode, gasping for air and slipping into unconsciousness. A/Sgt Burns-Bright recalled: "I climbed up into the cab of the lorry and I was trying to get him to respond, but quickly realised he was deteriorating."

Faced with a precarious situation where the lorry was dangerously positioned, she had to unstrap the driver and attempt to extract him. The driver's door wouldn't open, forcing her to manoeuvre him out over the passenger side, which was positioned over the bridge.

"I was struggling to do that, and managed to get him halfway out when a member of the public who identified himself as a retired police officer came over to help," she explained.

CPR and Tragic Outcome

Together, they managed to get the man on the ground where A/Sgt Burns-Bright checked for breathing and immediately began performing CPR. An off-duty nurse joined the efforts, and they continued resuscitation attempts until ambulance services arrived.

Despite their determined efforts, the man tragically did not survive the incident. However, in the aftermath, the man's wife made contact with A/Sgt Burns-Bright to personally thank her for her actions during those critical moments.

Recognition and Reflection

When informed about receiving the award, A/Sgt Burns-Bright stated: "It was a very sad incident, but I'm really honoured to be recognised for it."

Thames Valley Police Federation Chair Aileen O'Connor praised the officer's response: "As the first member of the emergency services on the scene, Leanne acted quickly and decisively in the face of adversity, doing everything possible to try to save the man's life. Our thoughts remain with the man's family."

Awards Ceremony Details

A/Sgt Burns-Bright will attend the 2026 Thames Valley Police Federation Bravery Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 16. The awards are presented in association with The Thames Valley Police Group Insurance Scheme and receive additional sponsorship from multiple organisations including: