Three new Brighton transport police recruits found themselves thrown into the deep end when they rescued an elderly disabled couple from a burning block of flats.
PC Sacha Patterson and his colleagues PC Melissa Knight and PC Sean Booth – who were both only a few weeks into the job – were on duty in Bognor when they were flagged down by a panicked member of the public.
They realised a block of flats was on fire, with smoke bellowing out from a third-floor flat into the hallways.
Without a moment of hesitation, the officers ran into the building and knocked on all the doors, helping residents to safety before the fire brigade arrived.
PC Knight and PC Booth helped an elderly disabled couple down from their flat which was opposite the one ablaze. Everyone was evacuated safely.
PC Patterson attended hospital after the incident in September to receive treatment for smoke inhalation.
He said: “Without a moment’s hesitation, both PC Knight and PC Booth ran into the building to make sure everyone could get out safely.
“Melissa was only about five weeks into the job and Sean just two weeks.
“But this is why we joined the job. We want to help people so it’s great to see them both getting recognition for doing just that.”
