Hero Cops Save Drunk Resident from Flat Fire in Skelmersdale
Armed response officers PC Simon Wheeler and PC Paul Rogers-Thomas acted fast in the early hours of Sunday 4 April 2021, rushing to a smoke-filled flat in Skelmersdale. Called to tackle a reported fire, they arrived a mere four minutes after the emergency call.
Blazing Chip Pan Sparks Danger
Smoke poured from a slightly open ground-floor window of the block of flats. Knowing an occupant was trapped inside, PC Wheeler ditched his body armour and smashed through the window into the dark, smoke-choked flat.
He found a chip pan ablaze on a still-hot hob in the kitchen. With seconds to spare before the fire spread, PC Wheeler put out the flames and switched off the cooker. He then called in PC Rogers-Thomas, who dashed to grab a first-aid kit from their police vehicle.
Drunk Resident Unaware of Deadly Danger
The officers found the flat’s occupant heavily intoxicated and fast asleep under a blanket on the sofa, oblivious to the life-threatening blaze. They quickly lifted him to safety outside.
Despite being sole responders, the pair searched the entire flat to ensure no one else was trapped. Ten minutes later, the fire brigade arrived on scene. Miraculously, nobody was harmed.
Bravery Recognised at National Awards
Rachel Hanley, Chair of the Lancashire Police Federation, praised the officers: “This incident shows police officers are much more than crime fighters. We save lives.”
She added, “Their brave and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the householder’s life and protected other residents.”
PC Wheeler and PC Rogers-Thomas have now been nominated for the prestigious National Police Bravery Awards, which honour exceptional courage across England and Wales. They will attend the awards ceremony in London this July as official nominees.
