Date: 24th October, 2022
A Bristol man has been presented with a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation and a Bronze Medal from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire following his brave actions at a house fire near Warminster earlier this year.
Neil Luton received his awards from the Chief Fire Officer of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Ansell, at a presentation held at Chippenham fire station on 17 October.
Neil was nominated for the commendation by Station Manager Dave Geddes, who attended the fire; Mr Ansell then nominated him for further recognition from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
On the morning of 16 February, Neil was working in Heytesbury when he became aware that a house was on fire. Having realised that the occupant was still inside, he immediately tried to enter through the front door to carry out a rescue but was beaten back by the smoke and flames.
Neil then went round to the back garden and used a table to try and get access to where he could see the person inside. He established contact with the occupant and encouraged her out of a first floor window and onto a pitched single storey extension; then, using a ladder provided by a neighbour, he guided her to the edge and helped her climb down to safety.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “A Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation is the highest award that I can give to a member of the public for acts of outstanding bravery, selflessness or courage in the face of adversity. In exceptional cases, I will also make a nomination to other bodies for recognition, and I was extremely pleased that the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire has recognised Neil for his incredible bravery on that day. It was my honour to make the presentation of a bronze medal on their behalf.”
He added: “Neil acted instinctively, selflessly and bravely, with complete disregard for his own safety. By putting himself at risk, his actions that morning were the definition of courage under pressure, and saved the occupant from serious injury, and even the potential of losing her life.”
Accepting his awards, Neil said: “At the time, I just acted instinctively; I knew there were dangers, but I could also see how I could help. I didn’t expect any recognition, and it’s incredible that this has now happened. It’s a real honour.”