Essex police couple honoured for their bravery and life-saving actions
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BRAVE COUPLE: PC Dave Bridge with wife Samantha Bridge
A courageous husband and wife duo from Essex Police, PC Dave Bridge and his wife Samantha Bridge, have won the Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards after they sprang into action to rescue elderly neighbours from a blazing house in the dead of night. Last June, the Bridges were jolted awake at 3:30am by a deafening explosion caused by lightning striking their neighbours' home, igniting a fire.
Realising the elderly residents next door were in peril due to mobility issues, they knew immediate action was required. Rushing to the scene, they found other neighbours attempting to alert the trapped residents.
Despite thick smoke, the Bridges plunged into the house. Mrs Bridge located the female occupant at the rear of the house, unaware of the danger and guided her to safety, while PC Bridge courageously rescued their pets amidst falling debris.
Their swift actions ensured everyone escaped unharmed, although the house suffered extensive damage. "All the time the house was just filling up with smoke and the ceiling fell down while we were in there. By the time we’d finished, pretty much the whole top of the house was engulfed,” said PC Bridge.
Mrs Bridge, a Criminal Justice Support Officer, added: “It is nice to be recognised and I’ve told the people in the house about it all and they’re really happy about it. In fairness, all the neighbours were brilliant.
"They all came out, people were making tea and helping look after them until they went off to the hospital. I don’t want to take all of the glory, because people did help. They might not have gone in, but they did offer support in different ways.”
Essex Police Federation Chair Laura Heggie said: “What heroes! If it hadn’t been for the quick thinking and bravery of both Dave and Samantha, this incident could have had fatal consequences. They acted swiftly to help neighbours in dire need. We are very proud of them and their courage. Running towards the danger in the middle of the night and off duty. What incredible work.”
The Bridges will be honoured at the Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards, on Thursday, May 16, with the possibility of advancing to the National Police Federation Bravery Awards. The event is sponsored by The National Police Healthcare Scheme and supported by various organisations, such as Serve and Protect Credit Union, Rates Group, No 1 Copperpot Credit Union, Metfriendly, Niche, Uniform Mortgages, THB Legal, George Burrows, Arc Legal and Police Mutual.
