Mum’s delight as officer who saved her toddler from Burscough flat blaze honoured with bravery award

Nov 1 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A MUM has paid tribute to a police officer who helped save her daughter’s life after he received a bravery award for his actions.

Sgt Greg Gee was one of 24 police officers honoured for their bravery at a ceremony at Lancashire Police’s Hutton headquarters on October 29.

Sgt Gee attended the scene of a fire at Kerry Thompson’s flat on Stanley Court, Burscough on October 2, 2010. He braved the intense heat to go upstairs where he heard Kerry’s three-year-old daughter Isabel crying. Despite being beaten back by the heat and smoke, he wrapped a wet towel around his head, went back in and helped direct fire crews to the youngster. She was brought out apparently unconscious but made a full recovery.

Upon hearing of Sgt Gee’s award, Kerry, 29, said: “I’m so made up. He’s the nicest man you could ever meet. Words can’t express how grateful I am to him. Afterwards he invited us in to the police station for a tour and even brought presents from his own children for her. It’s Isabel’s sixth birthday on Saturday, which brings it all back. But I wouldn’t be seeing her sixth birthday without Sgt Gee’s actions.”

Lancashire police chief constable Steve Finnigan said: “Our bravery awards are a chance for us to recognise and celebrate the outstanding bravery, performance, dedication and professionalism of these officers and members of the public.”

Bruce Jassi, chairman of Lancashire Police Authority, said: “These awards remind us, yet again, that every day members of the police service risk their own safety to protect that of others.”