THREE Norfolk policemen who risked their lives rescuing a 102-year-old woman trapped in a smoke-filled room have been awarded top lifesaving honours.Sgt Andrew Hood, PC Ian Kennedy and PCSO Russell Oldham are to receive Royal Humane Society Testimonials on Parchment in recognition of their dramatic rescue effort during a fire at the Old Rectory Nursing Home, in Acle, on November 17.
THREE Norfolk policemen who risked their lives rescuing a 102-year-old woman trapped in a smoke-filled room have been awarded top lifesaving honours.
Sgt Andrew Hood, PC Ian Kennedy and PCSO Russell Oldham are to receive Royal Humane Society Testimonials on Parchment in recognition of their dramatic rescue effort during a fire at the Old Rectory Nursing Home, in Acle, on November 17.
The trio climbed through a window into the woman's smoke-filled bedroom and carried her to safety.
Sgt Hood then organised the opening of the nearby church hall and, with the help of his colleagues, the fire crew and nursing home staff, evacuated all 33 patients to safety.
Dick Wilkinson, the society's secretary, said: “Were it not for their courage, this woman aged more than 100, who must have been terrified, could well have succumbed to the smoke and died.
“The officers put themselves at risk to carry out this rescue in a smoke-filled building. And they didn't stop there - they then went on to do their best to ensure that all the home's residents were taken to shelter safe and sound. They richly deserve the awards made to them.”
The date of the presentation ceremony is still to be fixed.
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