Firefighters rewarded for lifesaving rescues

10:10am Saturday 22nd November 2008

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FOUR firefighters who rescued two hotel guests during one the biggest blazes in a town’s history have been given awards.

Richard Wilson, Steven Cochrane, Paul Mitchell and Patrick Ryan wore breathing apparatus during the major fire at the King’s Hotel, Darlington, in August.

They were honoured at the County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade Awards, in Durham, last night.

The four men received chief executive commendations at the ceremony.

Peter Grant, from Durham FM, who hosted the event, said: “Chief executive’s commendations are awarded in exceptional circumstances to recognise specific acts that save lives or acts which make a distinct contribution to the lives of others.

“These commendations are to recognise the actions of four firefighters who played a major role in the rescue of two guests involved in the fire incident at the King’s Hotel.”

The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, August 15, with more than 100 guests having to be evacuated from the building.

Flames shot through the roof of the town centre hotel and destroyed the 86-bedroom building.

It took firefighters from Darlington, County Durham and North Yorkshire hours to get the fire under control.

Susan Johnson, the fire service’s chief executive, made the presentation.

She said: “It is with great pride I am presenting commendations to these firefighters.

“Their professionalism as breathing apparatus wearers throughout an extremely physically and mentally demanding situation was instrumental in the rescue of two of the hotel guests.

“The actions of these four firefighters undoubtedly saved lives.”

Mr Wilson, 32, from Darlington, said: “It is fantastic to get this award and it was great to be nominated by our manager and feels good to have some appreciation for the work we do day-in, dayout.

“When we got there, the fire itself was quite intense. We were only expecting it to be something small.”

Mr Mitchell, 27, from Newton Aycliffe, said: “It is nice to have this achievement acknowledged by the brigade.

Occasions like this are rare because of the fire safety advice we give out. It goes to show it does still happen.”

Mr Ryan, 29, of Coxhoe, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to get this award. I feel terrific.”

Care workers Kelly Lawson and Barbara Atkinson were awarded certificates of merit for helping young people escape after fire broke out in Framwellgate Moor Children’s Home, near Durham, on October 7, last year.

Mr Grant said: “These two members of staff took control of the evacuation of the home, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children within the building.

“By putting into practice their training in a dedicated and professional manner, these two women led everyone to safety in a calm and controlled manner.”

Both were given a certificate and flowers as part of the presentation.