Hero Cops Rescue Drunk Man from Flat Fire in Skelmersdale
Armed response officers PC Simon Wheeler and PC Paul Rogers-Thomas dashed to a blazing flat in Skelmersdale in the early hours of Sunday, 4 April 2021. They were told smoke was pouring from the ground-floor flat and people were trapped inside.
Just four minutes after the emergency call, the officers arrived to find smoke billowing from a slightly open window. With flats stacked above, the situation was dire. Learning the occupant was still inside, PC Wheeler acted fast.
Brave PC Wheeler Breaks in to Save Life
Without waiting for firefighters, PC Wheeler tore off his body armour and forced his way through the smoke-filled window into the flat. Inside, he found a burning chip pan on the hob. The fire was spreading fast. Thinking fast, he smothered the flames and switched off the cooker.
PC Rogers-Thomas raced to grab a first-aid kit and rejoined him. The pair then searched the flat, discovering the heavily drunk occupant asleep under a blanket on the sofa—completely oblivious to the danger.
Quick Thinking Saves Flat’s Residents
The officers carried the man outside to safety, then checked the whole flat for anyone else, the only emergency responders on scene. Luckily, no one else was inside when the fire brigade arrived ten minutes later.
Everyone escaped unharmed thanks to the quick actions of these two heroes.
“This shows police are much more than just crime fighters – we save lives,” said Lancashire Police Federation Chair Rachel Hanley. “Their brave actions prevented a disaster for the entire block.”
“I want to thank Paul and Simon for going above and beyond the call of duty. They are both deserving nominees.”
National Police Bravery Awards Nominees
PC Wheeler and PC Rogers-Thomas have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards, which honour officers across England and Wales for outstanding courage. They will attend a special awards ceremony in London this July.
