A police sergeant who put his own life at risk to help a suicidal man found in an old mine shaft has had his courage recognised at a South Yorkshire Police awards ceremony.
Sgt Darren Taylor, from the town's antisocial behaviour response team, was commended for his bravery at the 'Leaders in Action' police ceremony.
Det Insp Mark Wilkie said Sgt Taylor came to the aid a 40-year-old man who had a knife and was found down an old mine shaft in the Dodworth area.
DI Wilkie said the man had made it clear to officers he wanted to commit suicide and Sgt Taylor, a former miner himself, went down the shaft with a paramedic and negotiated with the man to hand over the knife and eventually took him back to the surface.
Sgt Taylor wasn't the only one from the Barnsley force to be recognised at the ceremony.
PC Sarah Botham, also from the anti-social behaviour response team, was judged on her range of policing skills to be named student officer of the year after completing her initial training.
BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration hosted the event, which is now in its sixth year, acknowledging South Yorkshire Police's finest in 16 awards categories.
Chf Con David Crompton said: "I am extremely proud of everyone within the force and their continued support throughout these challenging times.
"It shows the dedication, and outstanding ability of our officers and staff and their commitment to make South Yorkshire a safer place for everybody."
