Two employees of Swindon Borough Council have been awarded bronze medals from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, after their heroic actions saved an elderly woman’s life last November.
Mandy Blackford and Liz Watts, who work for the council’s Homeline service, acted swiftly and courageously when they responded to an emergency call at a resident’s flat, where a fire had broken out.
The incident began when the elderly resident contacted Homeline after suffering a fall. During the call, it became clear that a candle had been knocked over, igniting the carpet and causing thick smoke to fill the flat. Despite the immediate danger, Mandy and Liz, who were already en route, arrived before firefighters and bravely entered the smoke-filled property to rescue the resident.
Both women had previously received Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations for their heroic efforts at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony earlier this year. Their outstanding bravery was further recognised when Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell nominated them for the prestigious bronze medals from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
Reflecting on the incident, CFO Ben Ansell remarked: “A Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation is the highest award I can give for acts of outstanding bravery, selflessness or courage. In exceptional cases like this, I also make a nomination for further recognition, and I’m delighted the Society has honoured Mandy and Liz for their incredible bravery.”
He added, “Their actions were the very definition of courage under pressure. By acting instinctively, selflessly, and without regard for their own safety, they saved the resident from what could have been a tragic outcome.”
Swindon Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Sam Mowbray, also praised the pair for their quick thinking. “I couldn’t be prouder of Mandy and Liz. Their bravery prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy. These medals are well-deserved recognition of their dedication to supporting our residents.”
The medals were presented to Mandy and Liz by Group Manager Dave Slawinski at Swindon Borough Council’s offices on 5th September. Firefighters from Westlea fire station, who had originally nominated the pair for recognition, were also in attendance to honour their actions.
Mandy and Liz remain humble about their actions. Speaking after the ceremony, they said, “Anyone on our team would have done the same; it just happened that we were the ones on duty. Receiving the commendations earlier this year and now these medals is such an honour for us both.”
