Brave police officers receive awards after rescuing residents from burning Birmingham home

Chief Constable Craig Guildford presented the officers with a Chief Constable’s Commendation at an awards evening he hosted at the West Midlands Police training centre Tally Ho.

On February 25, 2024, PC Ben Kirk discovered a fire had broken out at a house in Aston and was spreading to a neighbouring property. 

Concerned that there might be people inside, PC Kirk made his way towards the burning building.

Despite the doors being securely locked PC Kirk, alongside colleagues PC Mitch Price, PC Barry Rattu and PC Chris Fisher, who had arrived shortly after, forced their way into the smoke-filled building.

Once inside they found two women who they quickly helped escape, then searched the remaining rooms to make sure no one else was in danger and then did a sweep of the adjoining property. 

One of the rooms they searched was directly above the location of the blazing fire, which had started to affect the floor, making it potentially unstable and increased the danger of the situation. 

Undeterred, the officers made sure nobody else was in the building before they got out themselves.

By that time, the fire service had arrived and they managed to get the fire under control and eventually put it out, but thanks to the swift and selfless actions of the officers, nobody was injured and they themselves were unharmed.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues upon receiving their Chief Constable’s Commendation, PC Kirk said: “We’re all honoured to receive our awards from the Chief but we were just doing our jobs.

“It’s always risky of course dealing with a fire but when you’re faced with any dangerous situation your first thoughts as a police officer are about protecting life, and your training quickly kicks in. 

"We all looked out for each other that night and we’re pleased to have done our bit to make sure everyone got out safely.”