Security guard Dave Porter (pictured) whose swift, but calm, response to a potentially fatal incident involving a vulnerable woman has earned police recognition. Dave Porter was crossing the River Wear between university campuses in Sunderland during an early-morning shift when he spotted a woman in distress, on Wearmouth Bridge.  

Concerned for her welfare, Mr Porter pulled up and contacted the university’s control room, who in turn alerted police.  

As he waited for officers to arrive, the experienced security guard of 27 years spoke to the woman to offer reassurance while holding her through the railings to prevent a fall.   He then helped arriving police to lift the woman to safety.  

Recognising Mr Porter’s potentially life-saving act, Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt presented him with the Northumbria force accolade, the Commander’s Compliment.