Police officers who put themselves in harm's way to help get people to safe during a major fire in December 2024 have been commended by the Chief Constable.
The officers attended a report of a fire - later declared a major incident - in Kirkby Lonsdale on 8 December 2024.
The officers commended included:
- PC Piers Scarisbrick
- PC Nathan Sprot
- PC Rick Harvey
- PC Emily Eccleston
- PS Martin Mould
The officers arrived to find a significant fire blazing at a block of flats in Main Street, with significant risk of the fire spreading.
All of the officers immediately set about evacuating the buildings, battling through thick smoke alongside Cumbria Fire and Rescue colleagues.
Gas cannisters exploded around the officers as they worked but they forced their way into properties using whatever means they had - including their police batons.
One person died in the fire but unquestionably, the actions of the officers contribute significantly to preventing further casualties.
Inspector Sara Seath of Cumbria Police said: "The officers demonstrated exemplary conduct in risking their own well-being to get people to safety - all whilst the buildings around them were at significant risk of collapse.
"A number of officers suffered from smoke inhalation as a result of their work that day.
"Their efforts were exceptionally courageous, with the officers putting the safety of the public before their own, and I am pleased to see their actions commended."