Click to enlarge photos

Left to right Nathan Peters
Chief Fire Officer Martin Burrell
and Jeff Marriot.

Jeff Marriot and Nathan Peters.

CFO Martin Burrell and Michael Dennis.

Worthing Fire Cadets in action.

Photos by Paul Archer

Two fire heroes from Worthing were honoured at the town's fire station for their bravery. Both men received special awards on Friday May 10th from Chief Fire Officer Martin Burrell for saving three lives.

It was almost two years ago (May 25, 2000) that Nathan Peters , from Kithurst Close in Worthing, saw a mother and child trapped in a burning first-floor flat at Tarring Road in the town. Mr Peters immediately climbed up the front of the building, which had only the minimum hand and footholds. He stayed to comfort a mother and child in their smoke-filled front room. When the Fire Brigade arrived he helped them to leave the building down a ladder.

Just after New Year celebrations this year (January 2) Jeff Marriot saved a little girl's life when he saw a fire in his neighbours' house at Chiltern Road in Worthing. Mr Marriot ran into the blazing house and started to fight the fire with a garden hosereel. As the smoke lifted slightly, he noticed the little girl in the lounge area. Holding his breath. Mr Marriot crawled towards her and managed to carry her to safety. He then returned and managed to contain the fire until the Fire Brigade arrived.

Mr Peters and Mr Marriott were each presented with a Certificate of Commendation for Exemplary Action by Chief Fire Officer, Martin Burrell. He said: "Both recipients deserve all possible praise, for without them doing the right thing at the right time and above all risking their own safety to help others at a time of extreme emergency, the outcome of these two fires could have ended in tragedy."

Praise for the two mens' bravery also came from Michael Dennis , West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Safety. "Mr Peters and Mr Marriot have both set an example we can be proud of," he said. "They placed themselves in very serious danger, but didn't hesitate. They have undoubtedly saved three lives, and their awards are richly deserved."

Mr Dennis also performed the official opening of a new Fire Safety Centre at Worthing. It means members of the public will be able to drop in and discuss community fire safety matters with experts.

"We have carried out extensive alterations and refurbishments to the Station to make it more user-friendly," he added."Anyone with any questions about fire-related matters can simply come along for free advice."

Chief Fire Officer, Martin Burrell emphasised the importance of accessibility for members of the public to their local Fire Stations which are there to serve the community. "Worthing Fire Station is the pathfinder of a new county-wide initiative West Sussex Fire Brigade is pursuing to encourage people to visit their Fire Station for all aspects of community fire safety advice."

Fire Cadets based at Worthing provided a splendid display of demonstration drills for guests, who included the Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Mrs Valerie Sutton .