Redbridge police officer who saved 15 people from fire wins outstanding bravery award
Alistair Kleebauer, Senior reporter
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
11:53 AM
A Redbridge police officer who saved the lives of 15 people by running into a blazing building won an Outstanding Bravery award yesterday.
Pc Matthew Hill was the first officer at the scene of a blaze which engulfed B.B. Fatima Cash and Carry in Ilford Lane, Ilford, on February 4.
After being told residents in flats above the shop could not escape, he ran upstairs and with the help of two members of the public, led the people inside to safety down a rear fire escape.
He received his award as part of the Met Commissioner’s Excellence in Total Policing awards.
Pc Hill, 40, said: “I didn’t have time to think about it, when I realised people were trapped, my instincts kicked in. It was incredible how quickly the flames took hold. My priority was to get everyone out as quickly as possible.
“Thinking back it was very dangerous but I just did what any of my colleagues would have done. It’s great to get this award, I’m very proud.”
Iris Andrews received the volunteer of the year award after giving up more than 300 hours to help Redbridge police last year.
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