LEE Howell, the Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service earlier this week visited Crediton Fire Station to present a very special certificate.

Mr Howell presented a Certificate of Commendation to the Crediton On-call crew, comprising Watch Manager Mark Smith, CM Charles Pennington and Firefighters Michael Barlow, Mark Bolt and Jamie Rose.

The Certificate was received by Watch Manager Mark Smith.

It read: "This Commendation is awarded to you in recognition of the brave action you took during the harrowing incident which tragically resulted in the loss of four lives on February 21, 2021, in Clayton Road, Exeter.

"Your decision to mobilise to the incident rather than continue to standby at Middlemoor, knowing you had two co-responders with the medical skill set to assist, was highly commendable.

"After forcing entry to the property, BA (breathing apparatus) teams worked extremely hard in a difficult and challenging environment to effect the rescue of the six occupants.

"Two adults and four children were carried from the building to a place of safety where firefighters carried out CPR before handing them over to ambulance crews.

"Crews working together as a team did everything in their power to extinguish the fire and carry out rescues as expediently as possible, demonstrating the high standards and selfless actions the public rely upon when in need.

"Your speedy actions, including some individuals administering CPR, enabled all six casualties to receive the necessary medical attention, ensuring their best possible chance of survival.

"Your swift response and supreme professionalism ultimately contributed to saving the lives of two children.

"You are duly commended for your outstanding actions."

Mr Howell said he was "immensely proud" to present the Commendation and praised the firefighters for their decisions, judgements and efforts to help people.

He said he realised the incident was "tinged with sadness" but said he knew that the Crediton crew and their Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service colleagues had done all they could.

In receiving the Commendation, Mark Smith said that the crew had made a conscious decision to get there as quickly as possible to assist.

Mr Howell concluded: "Thank you for what you have done and continue to do. I am proud of every one of you."

Group Manager Shaun Davis, who nominated the crew for the Commendation, said: "I would like to congratulate you on your team ethos.

"You assisted the public and saved two lives that night, and you all contributed to that."

Firefighter Charles Pennington was unable to attend the presentation ceremony at Crediton Fire Station.

LONG SERVICE

In addition, Mr Howell presented long-serving Crediton firefighter Reg Barker with a Certificate of Service for completing 34 years with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue.

He also presented Reg with a plaque.

Mr Howell praised Reg for his long service and said that it was "just amazing, just an incredible amount of commitment".

He added: "I am privileged to be here on your last night."

Reg said: "I have enjoyed my time with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and will miss it immensely."