A CORRINGHAM couple who rescued their elderly neighbours and pets from a bungalow fire last year are among those recognised for their bravery at a recent Essex County Fire and Rescue Service awards event.
With more than 140 nominations received across the Service, the People Awards celebrated excellence, teamwork, and commitment to public safety from within the force – and also those from the wider community who contributed with acts of support or heroism.
David and Samantha Bridge stepped up to the plate when an elderly couple’s bungalow in York Avenue burst into flames after being struck by lightning.
Police dog handler Dave and Samantha, who works for the Essex Police Force’s Criminal Justice Unit entered their neighbour’s property in the early hours of the morning and braved thick smoke and a collapsing ceiling to get neighbours Barry and Margaret, and their six dogs and one cat to bring them to safety.
The fierce blaze took crews from Corringham, Orsett, Basildon and Grays two hours to extinguish.
The incident was recalled at the recent ceremony when Dave and Samantah were given a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation.
The event took place at the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester on Monday 15 April.
statement from the Fire Service says: “This ceremony gave colleagues the chance to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams from all areas of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
“From the bravery and resilience of firefighters to the invaluable support provided by colleagues in various roles, each nominee has played an essential part in making Essex a safer place to live, work, and travel.”
Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton said: “The People Awards give us the chance to show our appreciation for the unwavering dedication and exceptional service demonstrated by our people.
“These awards not only acknowledge individual excellence but also reflect the collective effort and teamwork that define our Service.”
The ceremony was funded by sponsorship from Motorola Solutions and individual awards were sponsored by local businesses and the service has expressed thanks to:
- Motorola Solutions for sponsoring the ceremony
- BP Wild Bean Cafe Londis, Rivenall South Service Station for sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution award and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award
- Inspiring OD Ltd for sponsoring the Inspirational Leader award
- FireHawk for sponsoring the Watch/Station/Team of the Year award
- CLC Facilities for sponsoring the Pride of Essex Fire award
- Waddington Brown for sponsoring the Support Colleague of the Year award
- Pinnacle Group for sponsoring the Firefighter of the Year award
Among others honoured were volunteers at the Essex Fire Museum in Grays who received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
The citation said: “It’s evident that the Essex Fire Museum serves as more than just a place to house artifacts; it’s an active educational resource and historical experience working with schools in the area and across Essex.
“The dedication and hard work of the volunteers, who spend so much time researching, and the time and help they have given to establish the Essex Fire Museum is commendable.
“Their commitment and vision have undoubtedly enriched the community’s understanding of the history of the fire service, particularly in Essex. Such initiatives not only preserve the past but also inspire and educate present and future generations.
“We thank our museum team and our Service’s volunteers for their incredible work to keep the history and memories alive.”
