Positivity: Award For Hero Fireman Who Broke Rules
From the UK, via Firefighting News:
13 August, 2007
The bravery of a fireman who faced disciplinary action after plunging into the icy waters of the RiverTay to rescue a drowning woman has been recognised by the Royal Humane Society. Tam Brown, from Stanley in Fife, is to receive a testimonial on vellum, personally signed and approved by the society’s president, Princess Alexandra.
He was nominated by the Fire Brigades Union.
Mr Brown, 42, risked his own life to save the woman, who was trying to drown herself, but brigade instructions are that firefighters should not enter the water.
During the rescue the line linking him with his colleagues snapped, and although caught in strong currents and suffering from hypothermia he managed to save her.
He received thank-you cards from the 20-year-old woman and her family after the incident in Perth on March 6 and was hailed a hero by his colleagues and the general public, but faced the threat of disciplinary action because the rescue was a breach of Tayside Fire and Rescue policy.
Ultimately it was decided no action would be taken against him or his watch manager David Wallace, who agreed Mr Brown should enter the water. …..
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