Hero Staffordshire policeman who lost eye in shooting is honored for crash tragedy help
The courage of an off-duty police sergeant who provided vital help at the scene of a horror road smash was today recognised as he was presented with an award.
Jon King, who lost an eye in a shooting incident in Rugeley last year, was commended by Staffordshire's Chief Fire Officer for his actions.
Sergeant King assisted paramedics and firefighters following the fatal crash on the M6 on July 2 when a Mercedes car collided with the back of an articulated lorry between junctions 10a for the M54 and 11 for Cannock.
The police officer pulled up at the scene and enlisted the help of other motorists to stop traffic, and called on a member of the public to divert vehicles along the slip road at Hilton Park services.
He then dialled 999 before climbing into the Mercedes to check on the driver who had suffered serious injuries in the collision. John Kamelski, aged 65, from Penkridge, died the following day in hospital.
Sgt King comforted the man while he waited for firefighters and paramedics to arrive and stayed with him while fire crews from Cannock and Penkridge removed the roof of the car so he could be lifted free of the wreckage.
Praising him, Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: "Despite the trauma Sergeant King has recently experienced, he did not hesitate for a second when going to assist the motorist. His years of experience in the police force came to the fore and he was able to bring the traffic under control swiftly and safely.
"His actions are an absolute credit to him and there is no doubt that he was a huge source of comfort to the casualty at a time when he needed it most."
Sgt King, who has been in the police force for 27 years, was awarded a Certificate of Commendation.
He said: "It was a very humbling experience to be able to offer support to the casualty, and was particularly poignant to me given the situation I found myself in with the shooting last year. The firefighters and paramedics were absolutely brilliant and I was glad that I was there to have been able to assist them.
"When I found out that I was to receive a commendation from the Chief Fire Officer I couldn't believe it, it is wonderful to have been recognised in this way and I am very proud."
