THE FREELANCERS’ CHOICE 2002

Chosen entirely from nominations by the freelancers themselves, this Award is for the person who, whether freelance or not, has made an outstanding contribution to the work of freelancers - the unsung hero or heroine in the field or at base.

Timothy McGinn
Lieutenant, NYPD

On 11 September 2001, Lieutenant Timothy McGinn was one of the NYPD officers at the scene of the World Trade Center attack. When the South Tower collapsed, he and about 30 other people ran to a nearby building for shelter, where they became trapped against the front window by debris, dust and ash. Freelance cameraman Joseph McCarthy takes up the story. "We were pinned there against a large glass window and I realised that there was no escape…suddenly, with lightning-quick reflexes, Lieutenant Timothy McGinn pulled his pistol from a fanny pouch and with 3 precise shots blasted this huge window open enough for all of us to escape
into the lobby just in the nick of time."

Lieutenant McGinn's quick thinking saved the lives of others that day - police, firemen and ambulance workers who then went on to save more lives. Joseph McCarthy was able to continue working and recording the events that followed, "...he saved my life and
therefore I was able to carry on and continue to document the horrific events of that day. Maybe my footage in some small way will help as a reminder and document the worst of mankind, but surely and most importantly, the ultimate goodness of mankind, has been preserved - and thanks goes to Timothy McGinn."

Biography
Tim McGinn is a third generation N.Y.C. police officer whose family has served the City of New York and the N.Y.C. Police Department for 75 years. Raised in Queens, New York City, Tim enlisted at the age of 24 and went on to serve with the NYPD for the next 20 years, graduating from Police Officer, to Sergeant to
Lieutenant. He was Commanding Officer of the Barrier Section for nine years. In January 2002, Tim retired, having been awarded six departmental medals and citations. He now plans to become a teacher.

Tim is married to Judy, Deputy Chief and Commanding Officer of the Detective Borough of Brooklyn and one of the three highest ranking female members of the 40,000 member department.

Also nominated
Nick Springate, Producer, BBC News, was nominated for supporting a team of freelancers and BBC staff based in Charika, Afghanistan. "Nick is a dedicated and experienced professional who keeps crew safety and wellbeing a priority while ensuring key events are not missed." "He knows the importance of respecting local staff and makes sure safety procedures are extended to the whole crew, treating freelancers and staff alike."