Date: 28th May, 2025
Members of the public have received Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations in recognition of their courageous actions.
The awards were presented by Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony, held at Tidworth Garrison Theatre earlier this month.
Alice Chubb, a care worker, was commended for rescuing an elderly lady from her smoke-filled home in Sherborne on 26 January this year.
After arriving at the property, Alice could hear an alarm sounding, but didn’t initially realise that it was coming from inside the house. However, once she had opened the front door, smoke billowed out and she could see that the kitchen was on fire. She could also see the elderly occupier inside.
Alice immediately called 999 then, with no thought to her own safety, she entered the house and carried the woman outside. Having placed the casualty in her own car, Alice then provided first aid until the two fire crews from Sherborne and an ambulance arrived on scene.
Hannah Dowdall was also commended for rescuing a neighbour from a fire at her home in Weymouth on 15 July last year.
Hannah had just arrived home when she heard a smoke alarm activating nearby, and went to investigate. She realised that her neighbour’s house was on fire, with black smoke coming from the door.
After instructing her partner to call the fire service, and realising her neighbour was still in the property, Hannah showed calm determination to go inside and guide the elderly lady to safety.
CFO Cole said: “These commendations are my opportunity to give public recognition to individuals who have gone above and beyond their comfort zone to help someone else. In both of these cases, members of the community have shown exceptional quick-thinking and courage, and I have no doubt that two lives were saved as a result. It was my honour to present these awards to Alice and Hannah.”