Brave Cops Rescue Woman From Burning Home
On the evening of Tuesday, October 29, 2019, PCs Ben Eastment and Derek Ingram were just blocks away when a call came in about a house fire in Burnham. With people trapped inside, the officers rushed to the scene on their own initiative.
Smoke, Fire and a Locked Door
Arriving quickly, they found the front door wide open and smoke billowing from upstairs. Braving the thick smoke, they entered the property and found the fire originating from a locked bedroom. During their search of the first floor, they discovered an unconscious woman in another room. Her teenage son appeared, telling the officers the other children were next door.
PC Ingram forced open the locked bedroom door to find a mattress on fire but no one inside. PC Eastment raced to grab a fire extinguisher from the police car. By the time he returned, smoke had thickened and the fire spread further.
Heroic Rescue Under Smoke and Flames
Through choking smoke, PC Eastment grabbed PC Ingram’s legs while PC Ingram carried the unconscious woman downstairs and out of the blaze. They also ensured the teenage son escaped safely and confirmed no other occupants remained inside.
The officers placed the woman in the recovery position and checked her breathing until the fire brigade arrived and took over first aid. Both officers had inhaled smoke and needed oxygen therapy for an hour afterward.
Honoured for Bravery
“We were the first on the scene, before the fire department,” said PC Ingram. “Neighbours said there were still people inside, maybe children. Being family men, something just clicked – we did what had to be done.” PC Eastment added, “I was just doing my job. Neither of us thought twice about running into that fiery house to save her.” valley-police/" title="Thames Valley Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3362">Thames Valley Police Federation Chair Craig O’Leary praised their courage: “These officers went above and beyond the call of duty and saved a life. Police are so much more than crime fighters.” “We’re relieved they escaped serious injury and proud to present them with the Chief Constable’s Higher Commendation.”
The pair have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards, recognising exceptional courage across England and Wales. They will attend a prestigious ceremony in London this July along with other heroic colleagues.
PCs Eastment and Ingram’s quick thinking and gutsy actions stopped a tragedy in its tracks — true frontline heroes in action.
