Heroes on the Beat: Police Officers Rescue Woman From Burning House
On Tuesday evening, October 29, 2019, PCs Ben Eastment and Derek Ingram were on routine patrol when a call about a house fire in Burnham came through. Without hesitation, the officers raced over, just blocks away, to find smoke billowing from the upstairs of a property with the front door wide open.
Brave Officers Enter Burning Home to Save Lives
The duo burst inside to investigate. They spotted an unconscious woman in one bedroom, while upstairs, a locked room blazed with flames licking a mattress. The frightened woman’s teenage son appeared, explaining the other children were next door.
PC Ingram smashed the locked door open, revealing the fire’s source. Luckily, no one was inside. PC Eastment dashed out for a fire extinguisher but the fire spread fast, choking the upstairs with thick smoke.
Through the haze, PC Eastment grabbed PC Ingram’s legs. Together, they dragged the unconscious woman to safety and ensured the teenage son had escaped unharmed. After placing the woman in the recovery position and checking her breathing, they waited for the fire brigade to arrive.
Aftermath and Praise for Bravery
Both officers were treated for smoke inhalation, receiving oxygen therapy for an hour. PC Ingram said, “We were first on the scene before the fire service. Neighbours told us people were inside – possibly children. Being family men ourselves, we just knew we had to act.”
PC Eastment added, “I was just doing my job. I never hesitated to run into the fire to save her.”
Craig O’Leary, Chair of valley-police/" title="Thames Valley Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3358">Thames Valley Police Federation, praised their courage: “They went above and beyond the call of duty and saved a life. These officers prove police are much more than crime fighters.”
Awards and National Recognition
For their heroics, PCs Eastment and Ingram received the Chief Constable’s Higher Commendation. They are now nominees for the National Police Bravery Awards, representing England and Wales. Their bravery will be celebrated at a London reception and awards ceremony this July.
These officers’ quick thinking and gutsy actions turned a deadly threat into a miraculous rescue. We salute their fearless service!
