SSI Phipps awarded medal for Valour

Huntingdon Detachment Commander SSI Andy Phipps has been awarded a medal for valour by the United States Airforce, after intervening in a situation where a woman was preparing to end her own life. A few months later, SSI Phipps additionally assisted a man suffering from a suspected stroke, actions extraordinary enough to result in him not only receiving the medal, but also an Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT UK) Praiseworthy Action certificate. Both these actions also contributed to the award of a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service, an extraordinary level of recognition for one of our most extraordinary volunteers.

On 11^th January this year, SSI Phipps was driving over the busy junction at Milton when he noticed a car stopped at the side of the junction on a bridge over the A14. Suspecting something was wrong, he stopped his car and got out to speak to the driver. It quickly became clear that she was deeply distressed, in a state of panic, and planning to throw herself over the edge. She initially refused help, but Andy persisted, calming her down and telling her to take deep breaths. He sat with her, established a rapport and got her permission to call the Police, all the time being ready to restrain her if she tried to jump. Cambridgeshire Constabulary were already searching for the lady in question, fearing for her safety, and sent four Police cars to the scene. When they arrived, the officers allowed Andy to keep control of the situation as they understood he had established a good connection with the woman and was best placed to keep her safe. Soon however, she was prepared to accept help and be taken to safety, but not before stopping to thank Andy for potentially saving her life.

Andy said: ‘Due to my experience in the emergency services, I have dealt with many emergencies and even some suicides, but it was still a relief when the Police arrived. When I left the scene, it sank in, and I thought what the hell just happened?’ He mentioned the incident to a US Airforce colleague, resulting in him being awarded the US Airforce Civilian Award for Valour, which was presented by the Lt Colonel in charge of the Squadron to which Andy is attached in his professional capacity as an MOD Firefighter at RAF Lakenheath.

Andy has spent his life in Uniformed Service, firstly in the Merchant Navy with whom he served in the Falklands War, after which he joined the Royal Navy Reserve. He joined the Army Cadets in 2016 and became Detachment Commander at Huntingdon in 2021.

In April he additionally came to the aid of a man who had collapsed in Ely, and was having convulsions, staying with him until an ambulance arrived.

SSI Phipps said; ‘I am humbled by it all, but I don’t feel like I deserve a lot of recognition. I feel like it’s got blown out of proportion, I just did my duty.’

Text by 2Lt Doug Stuart. Photos by 2Lt Stuart and supplied by SSI Phipps