Brave Police Officers Rescue Drunk Man from Burning Flat
Armed response officers PC Simon Wheeler and PC Paul Rogers-Thomas raced to a Skelmersdale flat fire in the early hours of Sunday, April 4, 2021. Smoke was pouring from a ground-floor flat, with people trapped inside and the smoke alarm blaring.
Just four minutes after the call, the officers arrived to find smoke seeping from a slightly open window below flats stacked above. Learning the occupant was still inside, PC Wheeler tore off his body armour and smashed through the window into the smoke-filled darkness.
Chip Pan Blaze Extinguished in Heroic Rescue
Inside the kitchen, PC Wheeler found a chip pan ablaze on the cooker hob, flames licking dangerously close to spreading. He quickly doused the fire and switched off the cooker. Meanwhile, PC Rogers-Thomas sprinted to grab a first-aid bag.
The officers paused briefly before searching the flat’s other rooms. They found the heavily intoxicated resident passed out under a blanket on the sofa, oblivious to the life-threatening fire around him. The pair carried him to safety.
Only Fire Engine Arrives 10 Minutes Later
Despite being the only emergency responders initially on scene, the officers combed the property to ensure no one else was trapped. Thankfully, the man was alone. Ten minutes later, fire crews finally arrived.
All three emerged unharmed thanks to the officers’ quick thinking and courage.
Police Federation Hails Life-Saving Heroes
“This shows police officers are so much more than crime fighters – we save lives,” said Lancashire Police Federation Chair Rachel Hanley. “Paul and Simon’s brave, selfless actions prevented a tragedy not just for the householder, but for everyone in that block of flats. They went above and beyond the call of duty and deserve every bit of recognition.”
PC Wheeler and PC Rogers-Thomas have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards, which honour exceptional courage across England and Wales. They will attend the reception and ceremony this July.
