We are extremely proud of Fire Control Operator Sue Smart from Red Watch who was awarded a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation yesterday for her calm, professional and reassuring advice during a difficult 999 call.
On 27th of March, Sue answered an emergency call from a teenage girl who along with her friend, had fallen down a river embankment in a location which they struggled to identify.
Sue remained on the call with the teenagers for over an hour, continually identifying the best location to affect a rescue, and ensuring that the girls were safe and calm, when clearly, they were in a distressed and dangerous position.
Sue demonstrated an amazing amount of compassion and concern for the health and welfare of the girls, and remained on the phone to provide advice and reassurance until our crews were in attendance and the girls were rescued.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps commented, “There is no doubt Sue’s professionalism, patience and reassuring advice meant she was able to help save the lives of both girls. We cannot even put into words how proud and thankful we are to have a person like Sue working for us.”
