Chief Inspector awarded commendation following lifesaving CPR at Salford Crescent Train Station

Michael Parker receiving the Chief Constable’s Commendation | Image Credit: GMP

Chief Inspector Michael Parker has been awarded Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Commendation for lifesaving First Aid while off duty.

Parker received the award after saving a man’s life while waiting for a train at Salford Crescent. The man was spotted on the floor, not breathing, which led to Parker starting CPR.

Parker said when receiving the commendation, “Ultimately, I don’t see myself as a hero - I just did what any member of the public would have done, it is just a coincidence I was there at that time as an off-duty police officer.”

Parker administered CPR alone for 10 minutes while awaiting the ambulances arrival. When they arrived, he continued for a further 35 minutes. Reflection on the length of time, Parker added “it didn’t feel like I was doing it for 45 minutes in total, your adrenaline just takes over.”

Parker received the Commendation, awarded by Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson, at the Long Service Awards on Tuesday 13th January 2026.

The Long Service Awards aims to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment shown by the forces officers and staff, both on and off duty. The Chief Constable Commendation is an award within this, which highlights outstanding courage, outstanding policing or investigatory ability.

Thanks to Parker’s quick intervention, the man has recovered and is with his family.