Heart-stopping moment 5ft 1in police sergeant dives into river to drag drowning woman 50 yards to safety Sergeant Heather Sutton, 27, receives commendation for her heroics Woman was spotted struggling for breath in middle of the River Trent At one point they disappear underwater as Sutton fights the current This is the dramatic moment a woman police officer bravely dived into a powerful river and dragged a drowning woman 50 yards to safety. Sergeant Heather Sutton, 27, received a police commendation after saving the struggling woman - who was spotted struggling for breath in the middle of the River Trent in Nottingham. A passer-by captured the rescue on video, which shows Sgt Sutton grabbing the woman then hauling her to shore. At one point they disappear underwater as the officer fights against the current. Lifesaver: Sergeant Heather Sutton in action rescuing a drowning lady in the River Trent, Nottingham Close shave: At one point they disappear underwater as Sergeant Sutton (right) fights against the current Dramatic: A passer-by captured the rescue on video, which shows Sgt Sutton grabbing the woman then hauling her to shore But Sgt Sutton, who is 5ft 1in, managed to swim to shore and the woman was hauled to safety. She leapt into action on June 4 last year after spotting the woman in trouble. She had decided it would take too long to wait for specialist rescue equipment to arrive. Yesterday, the officer received a commendation from Nottinghamshire Police for her selfless actions. The woman she saved, who has not been named, was taken to hospital after the ordeal - and suffered a fit while in the ambulance. Sgt Sutton said: "The lady was struggling and her head kept going underwater - you could say she was drowning. The fire service were preparing their rescue, but I made the call to go in first. I know from experience that it takes time for them to get their ladders together. I didn't think we could wait any longer - she was sinking and was clearly extremely tired. Rescue operation: Sgt Sutton, who is 5ft 1in, managed to swim to shore and the woman was hauled to safety Safety: The officer has received a commendation from Nottinghamshire Police for her selfless actions I didn't feel like I could stand at the bank and watch her drown. She was really quite scared. My team were great. It's our job to save lives and it's really nice to be appreciated for that. 'I didn't think we could wait any longer - she was sinking and was clearly extremely tired' Sergeant Heather Sutton Some 17 officers were handed the awards alongside members of the public at the ceremony. Chief Constable Chris Eire said: "Events like this are a fitting tribute to honour the extraordinary efforts made by police officers, staff, specials, volunteers and members of the public. We are able to acknowledge their dedication and long service as well as the courage, professionalism and commitment shown in exceptional circumstances. They all deserve our thanks, praise and admiration, and it is a real privilege to be able to present them with commendations and awards.