Met officers honoured for bravery
They risked their lives to rescue a man from a burning building
Two met police officers who risked their lives rescuing a man from a burning building have been recognised for their bravery.
Police Sergeant Michael McGuirk and Police Constable Nikki Smith, both 30, were announced as the winners of the bravery category at the Met Police annual Excellence Awards.
The officers from the emergency policing response team covering Barnet, Harrow and Brent were handed their awards by the Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, at the Oval.
One evening in December 2020, the officers were called to a report of a man suffering a mental health crisis inside a flat in Coppetts in Barnet.
They arrived to find the man had set himself and his home on fire, and set about fighting their way inside the burning ground floor flat.
When they couldn't get in, PC McGuirk squeezed his way in via a small window, suffering a deep cut to his knee.
After isolating the fire by turning over the bed he went further into the flat to clear access to the front door.
“The fire was one of those times where you go into fight or flight mode and luckily we went into fight mode."
Meanwhile, PC Smith had evacuated families from neighbouring flats to prevent any further injuries.
Having cleared the doorway, PC McGuirk went back into the blazing bedroom to rescue the man. Once outside, the two officers provided life-saving CPR until paramedics arrived.
Speaking after receiving the award, PC Smith, said: “The fire was one of those times where you go into fight or flight mode and luckily we went into fight mode. There is no other job like policing.”
Sergeant McGuirk, said: “I feel really proud and surprised to win this award when considering the other nominations. I didn’t join the police to win a bravery award but I did join to save lives. That’s the job.”
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley presented his Commissioner’s Award, the winner of which is personally selected by the Commissioner.
This year, the award went to two officers who were stabbed during an incident in Leicester Square last month. Their names are not being released at this time.
Speaking at the Excellence Awards, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, said: “These awards celebrate the best of the Met and are one way we recognise the incredible contributions individuals and teams made protecting and serving the people of London.
“Against this success, in stark contrast, there are some very real challenges. This week is a tough one for the Met. There is no denying that and there will be some difficult challenges as we fix the things we need to.
“But I remain optimistic for one reason. I know we will succeed in making the necessary changes, because of you and those like you, the fantastic, dedicated, honest and often heroic officers and staff who make up the vast majority of our people. The very best of those we heard about today.
“Every finalist embodies the best of us and the values we hold dear – they are an inspiration to the rest of us. I am proud of you - you should be proud too.”
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