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'Classic heroes' rushed to rescue
"CLASSIC British heroes" was the description given to two men who risked their own lives to rescue an unconscious woman from a burning building.
David Smith and PC Jim Wilson did not hesitate when they realised someone was trapped inside a smoke-filled flat.
In May, the pair crawled on their hands and knees to make the dramatic rescue from a first-floor property in Oxenhurst Road, Grange Park.
And yesterday their bravery was rewarded when Blackpool Mayor Coun Robert Wynne presented them each with a certificate and medal from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society during a ceremony at the town hall.
Praising their courage, Coun Wynne said: “It’s inspiring to be here. What they did was so brave. They are the classic British heroes – quiet and unassuming.”
Mark Alderson, station manager at Blackpool Fire Station, said the woman, who went on to make a full recovery, could have died but for the prompt actions of both men.
Mr Smith, 22, of Marlhill Road, Grange Park, was walking past with his two children and his girlfriend when he spotted the flames on May 19.
Realising there was someone inside, he and PC Wilson crawled inside and found the woman on the floor.
They managed to drag her to safety before fire crews arrived.
He said: “On the day it didn’t seem that I did much.
“It just seemed to be our normal duty that anyone would do. I’m really grateful that I and the officer have both got recognition for what we did.
“Without him there I don’t think I would have been as brave because we both knew that someone else was there to help.”
PC Wilson said: “After one or two aborted attempts we got on our hands and knees and crawled into the living room and managed to bring her out of the flat.
“We weren’t sure if there was anyone else inside so I made another attempt to go in but by that time the smoke was so heavy I couldn’t get in.”
Thankfully it turned out no-one else was inside.
Chief Supt Russ Weaver, who nominated the men for the award, described their bravery as “exceptional”.
He said: “When I became aware of the circumstances of this rescue, I felt it merited an award and this is richly deserved in my opinion.”
The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society awards medals, parchments, certificates and letters of commendation to people who voluntarily put their own lives or safety at risk by saving or attempting to save other people.
Since the society was formed in 1839 it has awarded more than 9,200 medals, medallions and bars.
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Weather for Blackpool
Thursday 24 May 2012
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