Firefighters honoured for life-saving actions

A number of firefighters were awarded the highest award from the Chief Fire Officer, in recognition of their exceptional work to help a woman off a bridge earlier this year.

Firefighters from Orange Watch at Barton-under-Needwood received the Chief Fire Officer’s (CFO) Commendation Award, presented by CFO Rob Barber, at a ceremony at Barton-under-Needwood Community Fire Station on Wednesday (9 November).

They were each nominated for the award after managing to help a woman in distress who was on a bridge above the A38 in June 2022.

Those who received the award and members of Orange Watch based at Barton-under-Needwood Community Fire Station included: Antony Doolan, Nigel Waterhouse, Thomas Hickman, Alfred Lifuti, Simon Manning and Timothy Parry.

The crew had been attending a previous incident when they spotted the woman in distress.

Without hesitation, the crew turned their appliance around and immediately to help the woman at the scene.

The help the crew delivered to the woman meant she was able to return to a place of safety and be referred for mental health support.

Richard Williams, Station Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The quick-thinking and swift actions of the crew meant that a person in crisis was effectively saved from potentially causing herself serious harm or worse.

“The crew’s compassion and empathy really came through to deliver a positive outcome.

 “The crew are a credit to the service.”

Rob Barber, Chief Fire Officer at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “I’m incredibly proud of the crew and they did a great job in taking quick action to help the woman at the scene.

“Their actions were a credit to themselves and the Fire Service.”