Retro News 1988: PCs praised for their efforts as fire raged

Two policemen who forced their way into a block of flats to pull a man from his blazing home have been hailed as heroes.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Feb 2020, 15:54 BST

PCs William Clark (27) and John Grant (30) dragged 60 year old William Brownlie to safety as the fire gutted his top floor flat at 71 Ward Avenue, Redding, on Tuesday night.

PCs Clark and Grant, based at Maddiston Police Office, co-ordinated an evacuation of the block, ushering over 20 residents to safety.

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Mr Brownlie was taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary suffering from smoke inhalation. He was later discharged.

This week neighbours spoke of the bravery of the police officers.

Mrs Annette Smith, 57 Ward Avenue, said: ‘‘The police officers were absolutely magnificent.

‘‘Mr Brownlie was semi-conscious. There is no doubt that they saved his life.’’

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Mrs Smith’s husband, Dave (51) and son David (25) rushed to the top floor flat to help the rescue attempt.

Mrs Smith added: ‘‘We thought Mr Brownlie’s wife was still inside so Dave and David tried to get into the house. However it was empty.’’