FIRE VICTIMS THANK HERO
AN elderly couple say they will never forget the heroics of a Townsville police officer who saved their lives when he rescued them from their burning house.
Elaine and Keith Peacock (pictured right) still remember the “big red flame” that confronted them at their Mundingburra home on the morning of May 22 in 2018, but say they may not be alive without the quick thinking of Constable Matthew John Woodham.
Constable Woodham’s actions have been honoured with a Bravery Medal presented by Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey at a ceremony yesterday.
He was among 13 North Queenslanders, many from Townsville, who were given honours and awards.
Mrs Peacock, 89, said she still remembered the moment the fire broke out on the veranda where the computer was placed.
Before she could react, Constable Woodham grabbed Mrs Peacock and took her to safety before running back into the home for her husband.
“He put him over his shoulder and brought him out … he saved our lives,” she said.
Constable Woodham was off duty at the time when a motorbike rider told him of the house fire.
When the Peacocks were rescued, he ran to neighbouring homes and evacuated the residents as several gas bottles were near the flames. He alerted fire crews and started extinguishing spotfires with a garden hose as he waited for them to arrive.
The couple lost everything they owned in the fire and the house was destroyed.
They are now living in a retirement home.
Mrs Peacock said she wrote Constable Woodham a letter after the ordeal thanking him.
“He certainly deserves the award,” she said.
Mr de Jersey said while the ceremonies had to be adapted due to COVID-19, they were no less special for each recipient.