Young Heroes and Long-Serving Firefighters Hailed by SFR

Awards Ceremony hosted at Headquarters

Pictured from left: Chief Officer Brian Sweeney, Firefighter (Control) Lynne Cattigan and Convener Brian Wallace.

STRATHCLYDE FIRE & RESCUE'S Chief Officer, Brian Sweeney, has hailed the achievements of long-serving firefighters and members of the public who have committed extraordinary acts of courage. 

Mr Sweeney made the comments at a Long Service and Good Conduct ceremony held at SFR's Hamilton headquarters yesterday. 

As well as honouring firefighters and support staff who had reached the milestone of 20 years' service or shown exemplary professionalism in their duties, the ceremony was also an opportunity to pay tribute to members of the public who had shown outstanding courage and calm when faced with life-threatening situations.

Emma Catterton was recognised for helping save her brother after he plunged 15 metres from the Stair Bridge in Ayr last June. Emma, who was just 13 at the time, stayed with her brother Paul, who sustained a fractured skull, wrist and hip in the fall, and kept his airway clear until emergency services arrived. 

Also honoured were cousins Carys Calder and Lynsay Cumming, who helped their elderly grandmother and great, great aunt out of their home in Ayr when an electric blanket sparked a fire in December 2010.  Both Carys and Lynsay were only 12 years old at the time. 

Mr Sweeney said:

"I am delighted to make these awards to Carys, Emma and Lynsay, which show that heroism is not merely a quality displayed by those who wear a uniform.

"These three youngsters showed a calm maturity and bravery far beyond their years when they were faced with daunting,  life-threatening situations.  Their swift and decisive action, which helped save the lives of close family members, is an immense credit to them and a great example to their peers and the community as a whole."

As well as honouring firefighters who attained their 20-year service medals, yesterday's ceremony also recognised Operations Control Firefighter Lynne Cattigan.

Firefighter Cattigan displayed tremendous skill in January 2011 when she took a call from occupants trapped inside a house which was on fire. As the blaze spread throughout the house, the occupants became increasingly anxious and wanted to jump from an upper-floor window.

Firefighter Cattigan continued to reassure those trapped that they should remain where they were, and that jumping could cause serious injury. This situation was made even more challenging as, due to a heavy snowfall, fire appliances were hampered as they attempted to access the property.

The operational crews who attended the incident were extremely appreciative of Firefighter Cattigan's skills, as they felt that, without her intervention, the occupants would have jumped from their flat, casuing severe injury. 

Mr Sweeney said: 

"Those receiving their 20-year service medals today can take great pride in their achievement in what is a very demanding career within the Fire Service, and  I hope they will continue to feel proud throughout the remainder of their careers.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the families and friends of those honoured.  Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is, in many way, a large family, and we understand and appreciate the vital role that families of firefighters play in supporting all of us who often face traumatic and difficult times  as they work to make our communities safer."