Firefighters receive commendation after saving woman’s life

A team of four firefighters have received a special commendation from our Chief Fire Officer for saving a woman’s life after tackling a house fire in Penkridge.

Watch Manager Nick Fife and firefighters Owen Crooks, Sean Cooley and Gareth Witcomb, were called to a house fire at a semi-detached property in June 2023.

The crew worked quickly to rescue a woman who was trapped inside.

Firefighters performed CPR with help from Cannock’s Green Watch until the arrival of paramedics, who took the woman to hospital.

The firefighters’ prompt actions prevented the fire from spreading to the adjacent properties.

As a result of their actions, the woman thankfully went on to make a full recovery.

Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, said: “I would like to commend Nick, Owen, Sean and Gareth for their prompt and professional actions which ultimately saved the lady’s life.

“They worked effectively as a team to stop the fire spreading to the adjacent properties and effective communication enabled crews to rescue and administer a successful resuscitation of the occupant using advanced life support techniques.

“This incident could have had an entirely different outcome if it wasn’t for the amazing work of the crews that were on duty that day.”