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Firefighters honoured by Prime Minister as nation’s unsung heroes |
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Four firefighters from around the country were given a hero’s welcome by Prime Minister Gordon Brown after being crowned National Life Savers at a special reception for the Vodafone Life Savers Awards at 10 Downing Street. David Jenkins, Michael Coleman, Paul Myers and Steve Binns were congratulated by the Prime Minister at Number 10 for their brave efforts in saving the lives of others. The Awards were launched in April to honour the unsung heroes – both in the emergency services as well as ordinary members of the public – behind Britain’s most remarkable lifesaving rescues.
Paul Myers and Steve Binns
Firefighters Paul Myers and Steve Binns, from County Durham and Darlington Fire Service, acted beyond the call of duty one wintry day back in March. Having received a call telling them a woman had fallen through an icy lake in Bishop Middleham, the two men, along with three other colleagues, hurried to the scene. After considering the grave risks involved in jumping into the lake after her, Paul and Steve planned the safest possible entry route then smashed through the ice into the freezing water.
Michael Coleman
When an horrific house fire broke out in Streatham last November it took six fire engines and around 30 firefighters to fight the roaring blaze. The flames had taken over the ground and first floors of a three story building and there were reports that people could be trapped amongst the intense heat and thick smoke. Wearing BA Tooting Firefighter Michael Coleman and his partner bravely entered the burning building where they found a man struggling to breathe. The heat of the fire was so powerful that they were unable to fight their way to safety back through the house. Michael took control of the situation and shared his BA with the distressed man until he was well enough to be helped down a ladder, propped against the second floor window, to safety.
David Jenkins
Off duty Firefighter David Jenkins was enjoying a fishing trip when he saw four children rush past him on an inflatable lilo that had become caught in the current and was out of control. The children were unable to paddle against the strength of the water and were being carried further downstream. To his horror one little girl fell into the water and disappeared out of sight. Without pausing for thought David dived into the river after her. Despite the challenge of fighting against water, David managed to carry all four children to safety where they were greeted by their relieved parents. More information about the awards, winners, judges and past winners can be found at: www.vodafone.co.uk/lifesavvers
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