Police commendation for quick-thinking fire rescuers

Kyle Fowler and Dan Hurst, who both work with the Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team, were the first at the scene of the blaze at a house in Cudworth in March this year.

The pair discovered flames licking at the front door of the property, and one man trapped upstairs. While Mr Hurst called the fire service, Mr Fowler ran back to Cudworth police station to collect ladders and two fire extinguishers.

As Mr Hurst then attempted to tackle the blaze with the fire extinguisher, Mr Fowler climbed the ladder to break an upstairs window and help the man out of the burning building. He then received treatment for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters arrived moments after the man was rescued, to extinguish the blaze completely.

To honour their bravery the two officers have been awarded a District Commander's Commendation certificate, from Barnsley District Commander Andy Brooke.

Chief Supt Brooke said: "It was my privilege to prepare and present this award to two excellent PCSOs who acted selflessly in saving the occupant of the house from serious injury or worse. They are a credit to the district, I am proud of them."

Sgt Stephanie Smith, from Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team, nominated the duo for the accolade. She said: "The commendation is much deserved. There is no doubt that the actions of these PCSOs saved the trapped man from serious injury.

"Due to PCSO Hurst's quick thinking to use the extinguisher from Cudworth police station, the fire turned out to be relatively minor."