A toddler who called 999 after his mother fell unconscious has been hailed for his bravery by Scotland’s top police officer.
Hanlon Stevenson was just two years old when his mum Lisa became unwell at home in February 2019.
After the youngster’s mother fell unconscious, he phoned 999 and told emergency services “mummy is sleeping and I can’t wake her.”
His call allowed paramedics to get to their Stirling house in time to treat her.
Hanlon was thanked by Sir Iain Livingstone at the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards on Friday.
STV NewsLisa, 28, said Hanlon was “so excited” to earn the Meritorious Conduct Commendation, adding: “He’s so proud of himself and I’m proud of him as well.”
Sir Iain told the youngster, who won the award for “showing remarkable courage and presence of mind to save the life of his mother by dialling 999”, how proud he was of the primary school pupil.
But it could have been a different, altogether more tragic story if it had not been for his toys.
Lisa said: “He’s got little toys that work with batteries, that say 999 on them for ambulance or police.
“He’s a fast learner and I think he remembered the number and he obviously dialled it for help.”
STV NewsBrave members of the public and officers who went above and beyond the line of duty were recognised at the ceremony.
Justice secretary Keith Brown said: “All of the nominees deserve our gratitude but especially little Hanlon who contacted the emergency services when his mum became ill – a truly heartwarming example of individual bravery.”
Twins Jonathon and Christopher Easton saw a 15-year-old girl walking into the sea while they were playing football near Ayr esplanade, South Ayrshire in July 2021.
Police ScotlandSensing something was wrong, the pair went into the water and found her unconscious and unresponsive.
Pulling her to the safety of shallow water, they were then helped by friends who removed her from the water.
She has since made a full recovery.
Also recognised was Fraser Ritchie, from Fife, who faced down what appeared to be a gunman robbing his local Kirkcaldy grocery store in February 2022.
Robert Smale was also given an award after witnessing a vehicle drive off a pier into the water at Saltcoats Harbour in January 2022.
On what was a dark and cold morning, he entered the water and rescued the driver.
Police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty were also thanked during the ceremony at force headquarters in Tulliallan.
PC Euan MacLeod was on patrol in Dundee in September 2021 when he and a colleague saw smoke billowing from a flat, with a man sitting on the window ledge inside the burning building.
They entered the building, which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames, to rescue the man and other residents as they awaited for the arrival of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
PCs Lee Brown, Sharon Bradbury and Gary Drewett were recognised by the chief constable for their part in stopping a knifeman in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, after being called to the scene in September 2021.
Sir Iain Livingstone said policing is a “relentless but hugely rewarding vocation in which you can help people and change lives for the better”.
He added: “These awards illustrate the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by police officers and staff right across Scotland every day.
“I am grateful for their commitment to public service and dedication to duty.”
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