Firefighters at Manchester Central commended for bravery at water rescue

TWO crews from Manchester Central Red Watch were today (December 7, 2018) commended for their bravery for saving a man’s life after he came into trouble in the River Irwell over the summer.

On arrival to the incident, crews were faced with an extremely difficult rescue where a man was floating down the middle of the river, five metres deep. He was out of reach of any throw-line, with his head just above the water.

Firefighters rapidly assessed where it was possible to intercept and rescue the man before he was lost down the river. Crews quickly re-positioned themselves downstream and forced an entrance along the riverside.

Firefighter Kieran Seaton then unhesitatingly entered the water to rescue the man with only seconds to spare with support from his colleagues. With the help of the technical response unit who had now arrived at the scene, crews were able to pull Kieran and the casualty to safety.

A Chief Fire Officer’s commendation certificate was presented to crew members involved at the incident at Manchester Central Fire Station today (Friday, December 7) by Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Leon Parkes.

Leon said: “Some of the jobs firefighters attend can be far more challenging than others but thanks to your quick-thinking and hard work at this incident, you have ultimately saved a man’s life who was at serious risk of drowning.

“It’s really important to recognise the fantastic work from our crews, with special recognition today for firefighter Kieran Seaton who risked his own life to save another. You are all not only a credit to yourselves, but to the Service and I am honoured to present this award on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer.”

Station Manager at Manchester Central, Dave Wilson added: “I would like to highlight the brave actions of all the crews involved at this incident, but in particular firefighter Kieran Seaton, who entered the flowing river to rescue the man.

“If he had not bravely entered the water, reassured by the support and the quick-thinking of his colleagues, it is highly likely that the casualty in the water would have drowned.

“Thank you again to all of those involved in the quick-thinking and heroic rescue on this day.”

Those recognised for their actions include; Incident Commander, Station Manager Mike Branney, Watch Manager Mark Farrell, Firefighter Ian Ferendenus, Firefighter Terence Bailey, Firefighter Kieran Seaton, Crew Manager Ian Reece, Firefighter Henryk Stelmaszek, Firefighter David Clarke, Firefighter Ben Hayes.

19/12/2018 13:49 PM