Award for Goldthorpe fire hero

A FIRE hero will be rewarded for his bravery at a special presentation next week.

Stephen Thacker from Goldthorpe will receive a Commander’s Commendation from the Chief Superintendent for Barnsley, Andy Brooke, in recognition of his courage in ensuring there was no-one in a burning house.

A police spokeswoman said: “Just after midnight on October 12, Stephen noticed that a house on Jackson Street, Goldthorpe was on fire.

“The home was full of dense smoke and flames were visible from the outside.

“Stephen thought that people could have been inside the property and without any regard for his own safety, entered the premises, to check the house, cupboards and wardrobes to make sure adults and children were not hiding from the fire.

“Once emergency services arrived, Stephen was able to provide information to the fire crew, which greatly assisted their efforts.”

Chief Supt Brooke said: “Thankfully no people were in the premises at the time of the fire, yet Stephen was not aware of this and his actions were clearly courageous and without due regard for his own safety.

“I have no hesitation in awarding Stephen this Commander's Commendation in recognition of his actions.”

The presentation will be made on Tuesday at Barnsley Police Headquarters.