A police officer who spent 40 minutes trying to save the life of a man knifed in the neck has picked up his fourth award in just 15 months.

Pc Matt Sulley, 27, based at Cowley Police Station, in Oxford, joined the force in 2006, but has already won three Chief Constables’ Commendations and been named Thames Valley Police Student Officer of the Year.

The Oxford Brookes University graduate was presented with his third commendation on Tuesday for his efforts in trying to save Devon McPherson, 42, who was stabbed in the neck in East Oxford last May.

In 2008, Pc Sulley won his first commendation for saving a man’s life after he slit his throat in Ferry Road, Marston.

A year later in October 2009,he won his second award for pulling a suicidal woman back from the brink of leaping to her death from Blackbird Leys Road bridge.

Pc Sulley said: “Some of the guys do jest that they don’t want to crew with me. I think its just a case that I’ve been in the right place at the right time.”

Pc Sulley said he answered a 999 emergency call to The Regal on May 18 last year and found Mr McPherson not breathing on the floor.

He administered CPR for up to 40 minutes with colleague Pc Tony Kirby in the back of the ambulance and at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

He added: “He was dying. I tried mouth to mouth but there was no life in him. We continued in the ambulance and helped when we got to hospital.

“It was a very intense period and quite physically draining. I was completely exhausted and quite emotional afterwards.”

Pc Kirby, who is also based at Cowley Police Station, received a commendation.

Pc Sulley said: “It is unusual to have won three commendations with my length of service.

“Winning the student officer award was down to hard work but the commendations were because I was lucky to be, or unlucky, put in those situations.

“It comes with the job and I’m proud of my job and these awards are a credit to the police force in general.

“But these days I’m always prepared for unforeseen circumstances.”

Robert Lee Chin, 42, is serving 18 years for the murder of Mr McPherson.

Ch Con Sara Thornton presented the award at a ceremony at Drayton Park Golf Club, near Abingdon.

She said: “Matthew was an outstanding student officer and he has continued to excel.

“This Chief Constable’s commendation is a hat trick for Matthew – and within 15 months which is very impressive.”

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk