Hero brothers win award for rescuing pensioners in blaze

A FIRE hero who rescued a couple in their 70s from a burning flat has been given one of the highest honours available to a Yorkshire fire brigade.

Fire chiefs said the victims of the fire, in Thurcroft, near Rotherham may not have survived if it had not been for the selfless actions of Tony Whitehouse.

Mr Whitehouse, from Dinnington, near Rotherham, acted extremely quickly after spotting smoke billowing from the kitchen window of the flat on Aymer Drive in April.

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He managed to force his way into the property and led a woman, in her 70s, outside to safety before returning to the house to rescue her husband.

Following the rescue he then put out the fire using a garden hose, as his brother Stefan gave first aid to the injured man, who was also in his 70s.

Mr Whitehouse has now been awarded a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation – the highest fire service award a member of the public can be given for displaying life saving bravery in South Yorkshire.

The 33-year-old was presented with his certificate at a formal ceremony in front of fire crews, family and friends at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Maltby fire station.

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Following the presentation, the specially invited guests spoke to firefighters and dignitaries and were offered a tour of the fire station.

His brother Stefan has also been recognised for his heroic actions on the day, with the award of a certificate of appreciation from the brigade.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Neil Hessell, said: “This was a life-saving rescue which Tony carried out on instinct and with little thought for his own safety.

“Such potentially dangerous rescues are usually dealt with by professional fire crews.

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“But had it not been for Tony’s swift and decisive actions in the very early stages of the fire, then this incident would have been a great deal more serious.

“Our normal advice to people in the event of a fire is to get out, stay out and call 999.

“However, we recognise that in exceptional circumstances such as this one, public acts of bravery are appropriate and should be recognised as such.”

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