A police officer and two members of the public will today be recognised for rescuing a man who accidentally drove off the Forth River Bridge into the water.

Constable Stephen Orme (of Devonport) and members of the public Shane Hooper (of Railton) and Jeffrey Grimme (of Penguin) will receive the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation in a ceremony at 2pm at Braddon Hall in Burnie today.

The man who was rescued, Cameron Simonds (of Devonport) will be at the ceremony to see the men receive their awards.

The crash

Cameron Simonds was driving on the Bass Highway at Turners Beach on October 19, 2010 when he reached for his glasses from the floor and lost control of his car.

His car struck the guard rail on the Forth River Bridge and launched into the river.

He remembers getting out of the vehicle into the water but then lost consciousness.

The rescue

Passing motorist Jeffrey Grimme stopped at the scene and threw a rope from his car to Mr Simonds. But Mr Simonds was face down and not responsive.

Constable Orme, who was off-duty at the time, also stopped at the scene. He grabbed a plastic tool box from a car to use as a flotation device and jumped some 5-10 metres into the water.

Constable Orme took hold of Mr Simonds but the tide was strong and he struggled to swim against it.

Another passer-by, Shane Hooper, jumped into the water to help Constable Orme.

They used the lid of the tool box to support Mr Simonds head and keep it out of the water.

With the rope thrown by Mr Grimme they were able to reach a bridge pylon and haul Mr Simonds from the water.

Mr Simonds was not breathing and his face was blue.

Constable Orme started CPR and guided Mr Hooper in expired air resuscitation.

After four cycles Mr Simonds regained consciousness and started breathing.

A Surf Life Saving Association zodiac arrived and Mr Simonds was lifted into it.

He was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

The awards

Constable Stephen Orme and member of the public Shane Hooper: Commissioners Certificate of Commendation

For displaying courage, calmness and initiative in the successful rescue and revival of Cameron Simonds from the Forth River on 19 October, 2010.

Member of the public Jeffrey Grimme: Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation

For providing guidance and assistance in the successful rescue of Cameron Simonds from the Forth River on 19 October, 2010.

The presentation

Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said:

“Commissioners’ Certificates of Commendation are not awarded lightly.

“Had the three men not acted the way they did it is very likely that Mr Simonds would not be alive today.

“They put their own lives at risk to rescue him.

“This type of selfless action is truly going above and beyond and I thank them for their brave actions that day.”