Hero Cop Risks Life to Stop Dam Disaster
Derbyshire’s PC Geoff Marshall faced down disaster to save thousands from catastrophic flooding. His daring bravery earned him a nomination for ‘outstanding bravery’ after helping prevent the Toddbrook Reservoir dam from collapsing on the town of Whaley Bridge.
Dam Crisis Sparked Global Headlines
In August 2019, days of relentless rain battered the dam, washing away a massive section of the 250-metre structure. Experts warned it could fail entirely, unleashing billions of litres of water onto Whaley Bridge below.
Emergency teams acted fast. Around 1,000 people were evacuated as officers scrambled to shore up the dam with sandbags – a race against time to stop the wall from giving way.
PC Marshall’s Reckless Bravery on the Spillway
Volunteer PC Marshall tied himself with a rope on the dangerous spillway as his colleagues passed sandbags to him. For two tense hours, officers and mountain rescue teams battled the elements to hold the dam together.
“Were the dam to have failed it is highly unlikely any of those involved in the sandbagging operation would have survived,” said Derbyshire Police Federation Chair Tony Wetton. “PC Marshall went over and above the call of duty while thankfully supported by his colleagues.”
RAF Chinook Airlift and a Week of Repairs
The next day, an RAF Chinook helicopter arrived, airlifting 530 tonnes of aggregate to reinforce the dam over five days. After a nerve-jangling week, the dam was secured and the floodwaters safely pumped out.
Thanks to PC Marshall and the brave officers, disaster was averted, and Whaley Bridge was saved from devastation.
