Bravery award for police duo
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A DARING duo who saved a woman from a burning flat after she set some of its contents on fire and locked herself in during a major mental heath crisis have been recognised for their bravery.
Constables Lynn Cameron and Craig McFarlane got her neighbours out of the building before kicking her door in and fighting through smoke to take her to safety.
The woman, who had a history of mental illness and was known to the police, put up a struggle but Constable Cameron managed to restrain her.
“When we arrived, she had set fire to some of the contents and the fire was starting to spread,” the police officer said.
“We had to get her out as well as the other residents. Thankfully we were able to do this and no-one was hurt.”
The officers suffered smoke inhalation during the ordeal.
However, their fearlessness did not go unnoticed and they are basking in glory after being honoured, along with 20 other courageous colleagues from all corners of the country, at the Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards in Edinburgh.
Sergeant Graham Brown, who nominated Constables Cameron and McFarlane, said: “As a result of their quick-thinking and selflessness, I believe they saved the life of the woman and the lives of the other occupants as the risk of the fire spreading was very real.”
And Andrea MacDonald, chairwoman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “The actions of Constables Cameron and McFarlane that day were incredibly brave and demonstrate the dangerous and life- threatening situations that officers find themselves in all too often.
“These awards are about recognising the incredible efforts of Scotland’s police officers. It is right that they are recognised for their honourable actions which go a long way in keeping our communities safe.”
