Above and beyond the call of duty

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has staged its second community awards to recognise front-line and support staff as well as residents and other emergency services.

The ceremony saw awards presented to heroes who had helped save the lives of others.

These included Bill and Janet Scott from Canvey, who helped rescue people from a burning building, and Samantha Cary from Southend, who helped rescue ten people from a flat fire in York Road.

Thomas Crisp, a young firefighter from Southend, faced a tough situation when he was at a party which was gate-crashed by a gang. He stayed calm and stood firm, using leadership skills he had learned to organise those around him to reach a successful conclusion.

Other winners included Mick Vanner, from Southend, who received an award for dedication and commitment to service, for his contribution to the service's retired members' association.

Maria Pullen, an administrator at Basildon, was also recognised for keeping things running smoothly at the fire station.

The awards were presented at Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester, by chief fire officer David Johnson and chairman of Essex Fire Authority Simon Walsh.

Mr Johnson said: "Day in, day out, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service employees are working selflessly to provide a top-flight service to the people of Essex.

"In many instances they put their own lives at risk to protect the public and, in numerous other ways, they go beyond the call of duty without ever being asked to.

"Largely, this contribution goes unmarked, though not unnoticed so the community awards give us the opportunity to say thank you and to recognise publicly at least some of our people for their efforts.

"But it is not just the fire service that contributes to safety across the county and we have sought to recognise those members of the public and partner organisations who have taken some responsibility and action in helping our communities help themselves.

"This event helps us mark their efforts too."

Quick thinking couple

BILL and Janet Scott from Canvey rescued two people from a fire in a neighbour's house in March.

The fire, at the house in Castle Walk, was started by a chip pan accidentally left on by one of the occupants who had fallen asleep.

The owner of the burning house woke up and managed to rescue his partner and baby but three adults were stuck upstairs.

A 46-year-old woman jumped from a window, but the two other occupants were left inside.

Mr Scott, 48, said: "My wife noticed the smoke going past the window and she got out of bed and called 999.

"Then she rushed to our shed and got an extendable ladder."

Two other neighbours put it up against the wall so the trapped pair could climb down.

Mr Scott added: "It was a surprise to get an award - we weren't expecting anything like that."