Armed response officers PC Simon Wheeler and PC Paul Rogers-Thomas responded to a report of a fire in Skelmersdale in the early hours of Sunday 4 April 2021. They were told that a flat was on fire with people inside, that smoke could be seen coming from the property, and that the smoke alarm was sounding.
The officers were the first on the scene, arriving four minutes after the call was placed.
They noticed smoke coming from a slightly open window in a ground-floor flat with multiple flats above it. After learning that the occupant was inside, the officers realised he or she was in grave danger.
Instead of waiting for the fire department, PC Wheeler decided to remove his body armour and force his way through the window into the dark, smoke-filled house.
PC Wheeler entered the hallway and saw smoke billowing from the kitchen, where he saw a burning chip pan sitting on a still-alight hob. He realised the fire would spread quickly, so he extinguished it and turned off the cooker.
He then went to the front door to let in PC Rogers-Thomas, who had run from the police vehicle to get a first-aid bag. The officers took a breather before returning to the flat to look for anyone who might be inside.
They discovered the heavily intoxicated resident asleep under a blanket on the sofa, completely unaware of the danger he was in. He was lifted up and carried outside to safety by the officers.
The officers returned to the flat to search the remaining rooms, despite being the only emergency responders on the scene and unable to determine if anyone else was inside. Thankfully, no one else was inside. Ten minutes later, the first fire engine arrived on the scene.
The officers and the man in question were thankfully unharmed.
Once again, this incident demonstrates how police officers are much more than crime fighters,” Lancashire Police Federation Chair Rachel Hanley said. “We save lives. ” The quick-thinking officers’ brave and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the householder’s life and prevented a potentially disastrous outcome for the other residents in the block of flats.
“I want to thank Paul and Simon for going above and beyond the call of duty.” They are both deserving nominees.”
The National Police Bravery Awards recognise officers from across England and Wales who have displayed exceptional bravery while on or off duty.
PC Wheeler and PC Rogers-Thomas will attend a reception and awards ceremony in London in July as nominees.
