Hero police officer recognised for incredible bravery amid storm chaos
An Argyll police officer has been recognised for her lifesaving bravery during one of the most destructive storms to hit the area in recent years.
Storm Babet brought the worst of nature’s fury in October 2023, causing devastating landslides which cut off communities and left scores of people stranded as roads were closed.
More than 12,000 tonnes of debris fell during the storm and the Rest and Be Thankful saw a month’s worth of rainfall - around 160mm - come down in just 36 hours.
PC Sally Ann Nicol waded through mud to help motorists stranded by blockages on the A83 and at one point the conditions became so bad she thought she was going to drown.
Landslides were ongoing as heavy rain continued to fall and loosen the ground, but the heroic constable powered on, determined to reach stranded civilians.
PC Nicol warned several of her fellow officers to stay behind due to the significant risk to their lives and implemented an evacuation plan that would end up saving multiple lives.
It took hours of work but, eventually, all the stranded motorists were safely flown to Inveraray Castle by coastguard helicopter. Witnesses reported hearing “a loud rumbling” as an avalanche of mud descended towards the group, before they were flown to safety.
“Each time she heard that noise she wondered if this would be the one that washed them all away,” said PS Brian Simpson, who nominated her for the award.
“Without her calmness and professionalism this incident could have turned out so much worse.”
To recognise everything she risked in savings lives, PC Nicol is one of three nominees for the individual bravery award.
PC Nicol is among 29 other officers who have been shortlisted in six categories for the Scottish Police Federation’s annual awards which take place on Wednesday November 27.
David Threadgold, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Reading through the nominations for this year’s awards is a humbling experience and demonstrates the extraordinary bravery and commitment shown by our officers.
“The situations dealt with by police serving our communities can sometimes be extremely dangerous and none of us should ever take what they do for granted.
“Our annual awards are a moment to recognise those who go above and beyond to keep the public safe with dignity and resolve, before coming back to work to do it all again.
“We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements. They are a credit to themselves and to Scottish policing.”
Chief constable Jo Farrell added: “The bravery, dedication, skill and professionalism of our officers is hugely impressive and I thank the Scottish Police Federation for shining a light on some of their outstanding work.
“These awards are an important night in the policing calendar, when we recognise and celebrate our officers for their vital public service.
“I thank all officers and their families for everything they do for policing and our communities and offer warm congratulations to nominees and recipients.”
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