Police heroes who saved mum and kids from burning Rotherham building up for top award

TWO brave coppers who heroically rescued a woman and her three children - including a tiny baby - from a burning building have been nominated for a national police bravery award.
Luke Bugdol (left) and Emma Addis (right) with Rotherham district commander Supt Steve ChapmanLuke Bugdol (left) and Emma Addis (right) with Rotherham district commander Supt Steve Chapman
Luke Bugdol (left) and Emma Addis (right) with Rotherham district commander Supt Steve Chapman

PCs Emma Addis and Luke Bugdol have been put forward for the National Police Bravery Awards for the rescue at a block of flats in Masbrough.

The officers were attending an incident nearby in August 2020 when PC Addis noticed smoke billowing from the stairwell of the flats.

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After finding a fire in the doorway of a ground-floor flat, the pair vainly tried to put the blaze out before heading into the fog of smoke to rescue trapped residents.

PC Bugdol forced open the door to the flat and safely evacuated a woman, her four-week-old baby and two other children by protecting them with towels.

PC Addis carried the baby and helped the woman to safety, while PC Bugdol carried both older children over his shoulders.

The family all escaped unharmed but both police officers needed treatment for smoke inhalation after being left struggling for breath, coughing excessively and vomiting.

 

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They were given oxygen in hospital and advised to rest but have since recovered.

South Yorkshire Police Federation chair Steve Kent said: “What heroes our colleagues are.

“Police officers are much more than crime fighters and once again this incident clearly demonstrates this - running towards the danger to save people's lives.

“Emma and Luke selflessly rushed into a smoke-filled building to save a family, including a tiny baby.

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“Well done to both officers for their courageous actions. We are very proud of them and they are worthy nominees for The National Bravery Awards.”

Both officers have received the South Yorkshire Police Force Award for Bravery and the Rotherham District Commander’s Commendation.

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty and the winners will be announced in December.