Firefighters are rewarded for helping woman down off bridge
PRAISE FOR QUICK THINKING AND ACTION
BRAVE East Staffordshire firefighters have been awarded the highest possible accolade from their top boss for talking a woman “in crisis” down from a bridge over the A38.
Firefighters operating from Bartonunder-needwood Community Station received the chief fire officer’s commendation award at a ceremony on Wednesday.
They were rewarded for helping a woman in distress down in June.
The crew had been attending a previous incident when they spotted the woman.
They turned their appliance round immediately and ensured the woman came down safely. She was able to return to a place of safety and be referred for mental health support.
Those who received the award – members of Orange Watch – included Antony Doolan, Nigel Waterhouse, Thomas Hickman, Alfred Lifuti, Simon Manning and Timothy Parry.
Station manager Richard Williams said: “The quick-thinking and swift actions of the crew meant that a person in crisis was effectively saved from potentially causing herself serious harm or worse.
“The crew’s compassion and empathy really came through to deliver a positive outcome. The crew is a credit to the service.”
Chief fire officer at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Rob Barber added: “I’m incredibly proud of the crew and they did a great job in taking quick action to help the woman at the scene. Their actions were a credit to themselves and the Fire Service.”