Date: 14th December, 2021
Three Shroton men have received Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations for their actions at a house fire in the village last year.
Christopher Middle, Matthew House and Trevor Hewitt received their certificates from the Chief Fire Officer of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Ansell, at a presentation held at Sturminster Newton fire station.
Following a nomination from Mr Ansell, Mr Middle was also presented with a Bronze medal from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
On Wednesday 9 September 2020, at approximately 11.45pm, a house fire occurred at a property on General Wolfe Close, Shroton. It quickly took hold, rendering the occupant unconscious.
After hearing shouts for help from a neighbour, Mr House and Mr Middle went to the property and opened the front door, to be faced with thick smoke. Mr Middle saw the occupant on the hallway floor and entered the house on his hands and knees to drag her outside.
The two men immediately started CPR and were assisted by Mr Hewitt. Station Manager James Plumley, who nominated the trio for recognition with Inspector Jane Kiernan of Dorset Police, said: “This was a significant incident for all those involved who attended, let alone for the members of the public who put themselves in harm’s way to try and save the life of another person.”
Sadly, the lady who was rescued died in hospital; however, she was given the best life-saving intervention available thanks to Mr Middle’s courage in rescuing her from the property, and the immediate treatment she received from Mr Middle, Mr House and Mr Hewitt.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “The Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation is the highest award I can offer to a member of the public for acts of outstanding bravery, selflessness or courage in the face of adversity. All three of these men showed incredible presence of mind to do what they did, and they all thoroughly deserve this recognition.”
Mr Ansell added: “In exceptional cases, I will also make a nomination to other bodies, and I was extremely pleased that the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire has recognised Mr Middle for his incredible bravery on that day. It was my honour to make the presentation of a bronze medal on their behalf.”
- Photo shows (l-r) Station Manager James Plumley, Inspector Jane Kiernan, Trevor Hewitt, Christopher Middle, Matthew House and Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell.