Two police officers from Southend were honoured for their bravery today by Home Secretary David Blunkett at a prestigious ceremony.
PCs Gail Lawmon and Danny Nice were nominated after their daring exploits helped save a 22-month-old girl and her six-year-old brother caught in a house fire.
Officers from across England and Wales were commended for their courage in the Police Bravery Awards at London's Dorchester Hotel.
The 50 nominated officers attended a reception hosted by Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street before heading onto the main event.
PC Lawmon and Nice doused a curtain in water to protect themselves as they entered a blazing house in Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff to search for a baby and another child in September.
As they reached the stairs they were forced back from the flames but were able to direct firefighters to the children who were brought out and made a recovery after hospital treatment.
Chief Insp Payne told the Evening Echo: "There's no doubt that their quick thinking and lack of regard for their own safety reflect in the fact that two children survived a horrific incident."
Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003
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