A police officer who rescued a family from a burning building in Uxbridge has been recognised for his “courageous actions”.
Bodycam footage captured the moment PC Tony Ruth climbed through the window of the apartment to retrieve three children trapped in a smoke-filled room.
Officers were on a routine patrol shortly after midday on December 27 when they noticed smoke coming from the underground storage area of a block of flats on Station Road.
After checking the ground floor of the four-flat block and helping a resident leave the building, the officers heard a woman calling for help from one of the upper flats.
She shouted that she was trapped due to the smoke and that she had three children and another adult with her.
With the help of a member of the public who provided a ladder, the officers were able to guide one of the adults down to safety.
Bodycam footage shows PC Ruth remove his body armour and climb up to the window of the flat to rescue each of the three children. The second adult was then guided down the ladder to safety
The family were taken to hospital as a precaution but had not sustained any serious injuries.
PC Ruth was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and was discharged following treatment.
On Monday, PC Ruth was named “officer of the month” for the West Area Command Unit in recognition of his actions. His colleagues, PC Dave Collinswood and PC Ryan James, were also recognised for the role they played in the response to the fire.
After receiving his award, PC Ruth, said: “We can make a real difference and I’m very glad we were able to help and that the family got out without being hurt.
“I’d like to thank the public too who were quick to get a ladder and help us when we needed it. They were fantastic.”
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, policing commander for the West Area Command Unit, said: “It goes without saying that the quick-thinking and courageous actions of PCs Ruth, Collinswood and James, with the assistance of members of the public, potentially saved the lives of this young family.
“They have demonstrated the best qualities that we expect in our officers, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.”
