Hero Lennoxtown cop handed award by First Minster

Constable Michael Booker, from Lennoxtown, was presented with a Brave@Heart award by First Minister Alex Salmond at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle recently.

The awards were first held in 2010 and recognise outstanding contributions from Scotland’s emergency services and members of the public who go the extra mile to save others.

Constable Booker, along with colleagues Constable Sarah Walkinshaw and Sergeant Ian Harkin, was called out to an incident where a man had barricaded himself in his kitchen and used petrol and gas to create an explosion.

The three officers were all hurt in the explosion, but still went to the aid of the man, who was armed with a knife.

He was carried to the safety of the garden, before the courageous trio administered first aid.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Every day service men and women from Scotland’s emergency services come face to face with life-threatening situations in order to save lives. To be willing to put your life on the line to help others is a truly selfless act which deserves to be recognised. Each year I hear amazing stories of valour and I am privileged to meet this year’s Brave@Heart award winners.”

Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick added:“All the winners have shown the highest standards of public service to which they have dedicated their lives. I wish to congratulate them all for their exceptional bravery in emergency situations for which they are being justly honoured.”