Chiswick RNLI volunteer awarded bravery commendation by Metropolitan Police

Mark Pusey receiving his award

“Mark recognised a person in crisis” and “stepped forward without hesitation”

Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew member Mark Pusey has received a Commendation for bravery and compassion from the Metropolitan Police.

In May last year Mark was off duty and passing in his car when he noticed a woman standing near the water. He stopped his car and approached her, recognising she was in distress.

He managed to establish a rapport with her, and call the London Coastguard and Police while he was talking to her, discreetly saying he was ‘calling his mum to say he’d be late for lunch’, so he didn’t upset her further.

By the time police arrived on scene Mark had brought the woman to safety, and he remained with her, helping Police officers keep her safe until the London Ambulance service arrived and she could be taken to a place of safety for appropriate medical care.

Mark said:

“It’s thanks to the years of service I’ve had with the RNLI that I had the confidence to help. You never know what people are going through and dealing with. Be nice, be kind, and be someone that you’d want your loved ones to meet if they were struggling”.

Andy Mayo, Station Manager at RNLI Chiswick, said:

“Mark recognised a person in crisis, stepped forward without hesitation, and stayed with her until she could be handed into the care of the emergency services. His actions undoubtedly prevented a tragedy and gave that young woman the opportunity to receive the help and support she needed”.

“Mark’s actions that day demonstrated exceptional courage, compassion, and professionalism in the face of a highly challenging situation. His ability to remain calm and intervene decisively when a life was at immediate risk reflects the very highest standards of the RNLI.

“This incident shows that our training, experience, and commitment to saving lives do not begin and end on the lifeboat.

Mark was awarded the Basic Command Unit (BCU) Commander’s Commendation at a ceremony on 10 July. It was not the first time he had received recognition for going above and beyond to save a life. In 2025 he received an Operational Command Unit (OCU) Commander’s Commendation for bravery when he saved a person from drowning in the Thames.