Constable’s courage commended
AN OFF-DUTY police officer who saved elderly residents from a Lorne Campbell Court flat fire received a police bravery commendation on Tuesday.
On an August afternoon in 2015, PC Mark McFarland saw smoke billowing from the Campbeltown shel- tered housing, home to many elderly residents.
With no worry for his own safety, he ran into the main building.
He was informed that the man whose flat the fire had started within had already been taken to safety. However, there were still several elderly residents within their homes.
PC McFarland, without hesitation, made his way upstairs to the corridor, which by this time was beginning to fill with black smoke. He raised the alarm to all elderly residents and managed to take them to safety.
Discovered
The fire had started at about 3.30pm of Monday August 17, 2015, when an 89-year-old resident of the care home flats discovered there was a fire in his apartment.
The fire quickly spread and set the entire kitchen ablaze. The flames soon burst out of the window.
A police spokesman said: ‘PC McFarland’s actions were exceptionally brave, placing himself at risk by entering the burning building and making sure that all residents in the building were brought to safety, with no casualties.’
PC McFarland was presented with his commendation by Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone at a ceremony at Scottish Police College at Tulliallan.
DCC Livingstone said: ‘I was delighted to meet all the bravery awards recipients, who have acted so courageously, and it is right we pay tribute to their efforts and praise the selflessness of their actions.
‘Police Scotland officers often find them- selves in situations, as part of their duty, where, they go above and beyond what would normally be expected.
‘It is important we take the time to recognise when our officers and staff go the extra mile to keep people safe.’
Bravery
Scottish Government Justice Secretary Michael Matheson added: ‘I never fail to be astonished by the level of bravery, initiative and plain can-do attitude that people often show when suddenly confronted with a challenging situation.
‘Anyone who chooses to serve in the Police Service of Scotland is aware that no two days will be the same, and that at any moment they could be called upon to protect people in extreme circumstances.’