Security officer up for bravery awards

A FIFE security officer is in line for two bravery awards after saving the life of a teenage girl who threatened to throw herself off a bridge on New Year’s Day.

Methil woman Mima Stewart (54), who works for Reliance Security, was on her way to start a night shift at Diageo Banbeath when she spotted the girl teetering over a 50-foot drop into the icy River Leven, near Windygates.

After talking the girl into letting her get close, Mima then disregarded her own safety by grabbing the girl, pulling her off the parapet and wrestling her to the ground.

Her employers have recognised her courage by nominating her for their Managing Director’s Award for Outstanding Conduct, while it has also emerged that Fife Police are putting her forward for a Local Hero Award.

But Mima, of Hazel Dene, said, “I just did what anyone else would have done.

“I’ve only seen this sort of thing on TV programmes like The Bill so my heart was in my mouth the whole time,” she admitted.

“But my training to keep calm in pressure situations obviously stood me in good stead.

“The wee lassie was breaking her heart and as soon as I stopped the car she shouted, ‘If you come near me I will jump.’

“I kept telling her I had a daughter her age, even though I don’t, and that helped me to win her confidence and get close enough to save her.”

Reliance’s head of operations in Scotland Julie Ballantyne said she couldn’t praise Mima enough.

“I am recommending her for our Managing Director’s Award to recognise her courage and composure in such a stressful and potentially dangerous situation,” she added.

Police inspector Dave Latto confirmed Fife Police were also recommending Mrs Stewart for a Local Hero Award—an accolade only bestowed on those who go above and beyond the call of duty.

“The officers at the scene were full of admiration for the way Mrs Stewart handled things,” he said.

Mima’s husband Bob (67), himself a former Reliance officer, said, “I can’t tell you how proud I am of her.

“She plays the whole thing down, but she could have been pulled into that river herself.”

Police took the girl to hospital as a precaution and she has since returned home.