Bravery award for firefighter (From Warrington Guardian)

Bravery award for firefighter

A YOUNG mum who fell unconscious when a fierce blaze ripped through her Runcorn home was rescued by a courageous firefighter.

Gallant Gary Raper, 34, was honoured this week for risking his life to save her.

"There was a serious risk to his own safety, but he used all his experience, skills and knowledge to drag this woman to safety without causing her any further harm" said watch manager Sean Henshaw.

"It was a serious fire with the potential for loss of life and Gary's actions were commendable."

Modest Gary, recognised for his bravery at an awards ceremony at the De Vere Daresbury Hotel last Friday, played down his actions.

He said: "I don't feel like a hero, I only did what any of the lads would have done. We work as a close team and we're all happy that we were able to save this woman's life."

Gary crawled through black acrid smoke to reach the woman after a kitchen fire spread through her terraced home in Oxmoor Close, Brookvale, just before 1am on Saturday, November 19, last year.

He climbed over the garden fence, forced the back door and spotted her lying unconscious on the living room floor.

The fire had started at the kitchen sink and quickly spread to the curtains and UPVC windows.

Mr Henshaw, explained: "With little regard for his own safety, he crawled into the blazing property and single handedly dragged the casualty to safety where the ambulance service got to work reviving her."

Six other firefighters searched the burning building before tackling the blaze, which had caused extensive damage.

Free smoke alarms can be fitted by firefighters. Call Runcorn fire station on 01928-572811 for details.