Heroes on the Beat: Police Officers Rescue Woman from Burning Home
On the evening of Tuesday, October 29, 2019, PCs Ben Eastment and Derek Ingram were on routine patrol when a radio call about a house fire in Burnham spurred them into action. The property was just a few blocks away, and with people reportedly trapped inside, the officers rushed to the scene.
Smoke, Flames, and Locked Doors: Officers Risk It All
Arriving to find the front door wide open and smoke billowing from upstairs, the officers didn’t hesitate. They bravely entered the house and found the fire blazing in a locked bedroom. During their search, they discovered an unconscious woman in another room. The woman’s teenage son appeared, telling them the other children were next door.
PC Ingram forced open the locked bedroom door to check for anyone inside. The mattress was ablaze, but thankfully the room was empty. PC Eastment sprinted to grab a fire extinguisher from their patrol car, but by the time he returned, thick smoke filled the upper floor. Visibility was nearly zero as PC Ingram grabbed the unconscious woman, and PC Eastment pulled them both down the stairs to safety.
They quickly ensured the teenage son was safe and confirmed no one else was inside before placing the woman in the recovery position and checking her breathing. Firefighters soon arrived to take over and provide first aid.
Bravery Recognised: Officers Nominated for National Award
Both officers inhaled smoke and needed oxygen treatment for an hour after the rescue.
“We were the first on scene, before the fire department,” said PC Ingram. “Neighbours told us there were still people inside, possibly children. We’re family men—something clicked, and we just did what needed doing.”
“I’m looking forward to the Awards – it’s great to be recognised,” he added, reflecting on recent negative media coverage of police. “That’s not a fair portrayal of most officers.”
PC Eastment added, “I feel honoured to be nominated. It felt like just doing my job — neither of us hesitated running into that burning house.”
Craig O’Leary, Chair of the valley-police/" title="Thames Valley Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3361">Thames Valley Police Federation, praised their actions:
“Police officers are much more than crime fighters. Ben and Derek saved a life and ensured no one else was at risk. They went above and beyond the call of duty. We’re all relieved they weren’t seriously hurt.”
National Police Bravery Awards: Honour for Courage
For their heroic efforts, PCs Eastment and Ingram received the Chief Constable’s Higher Commendation. They have also been nominated for the prestigious National Police Bravery Awards, which celebrate exceptional courage by officers across England and Wales.
The pair will attend a star-studded awards ceremony in London this July alongside fellow brave officers from around the country.
These everyday heroes proved once again that police risk their lives to protect the public—not just from crime, but from disasters too.
