Award for hero police officer after '˜truly remarkable' rescue

A hero police officer who saved four children and a woman from a house fire in Bradford has had his bravery recognised.
PC Sean Cannon receives his award Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling. Picture: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.PC Sean Cannon receives his award Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling. Picture: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
PC Sean Cannon receives his award Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling. Picture: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

PC Sean Cannon was on patrol when he spotted smoke and heard screams coming from the house in Westfield Terrace, Undercliffe, last June.

With little thought for his own safety PC Cannon entered the property three times, having to pass the fire close to the front door on each occasion, to rescue the children and woman.

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Having inhaled thick smoke that caused him at one stage to fall to his knees, he recovered by opening a window and took a lungful of fresh air and tenaciously continued with the rescues until everyone was out of the house.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: “It is without doubt that PC Cannon saved lives through his heroic and brave actions.

“He was in the right place at the right time and took immediate action ahead of the arrival of firefighters.

“As firefighters we are ever mindful of the perils of this kind of quickly developing fire and to do what he did, without the benefit of firefighting equipment or protective clothing, is truly remarkable.”

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PC Cannon, a 45-year-old father-of-two who has been a serving police officer for 13 years, was presented with a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation yesterday.

“It is lovely to receive this award from the fire service, whose staff do this sort of thing every day,” he said.

“I have a relative who is a retired firefighter and I am very proud to be standing here with this award.

“I just happened to be dealing with another matter with colleagues nearby when I heard screams and shouts and I acted on instinct. I am pleased that everyone got out of the house without serious injury.”

Two fire engines from Bradford were quickly on the scene and put out the fire.

PC Cannon has also received the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal and Police Medal for his actions.

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