Merseyside fire crews have been commended at a special awards ceremony for their quick, professional response to incidents, which ultimately saved the lives of others.

Red Watch from Liverpool City, Kirkdale, Low Hill, Toxteth, and Croxteth, along with six senior officers received a commendation from the Chief Fire Officer for their work when a crane collapsed onto an apartment block in the city centre last summer.

The tower crane toppled onto the internal stairwell of an apartment block in Tabley Street and its 40 tonne counterweight plunged through the building and into the sub-basement, trapping residents inside.

The crane driver was thrown from his cab onto the roof, before falling into the hole created by the crane’s counterweight and to the first floor. Firefighter Mark Tomlinson, Station Manager Ian Maxwell and Search and Rescue Team firefighters secured the driver to prevent him falling further through the building and lifted him out on a spinal board through a small window.

The man suffered head, chest and leg injuries and was taken to Royal Liverpool Hospital by ambulance. He is still recovering from his injuries but made the journey to the commendation ceremony to meet his rescuers. A further eight people were rescued from the third and fourth floors by firefighters using the CPL and ladders.

Many different agencies were involved in this lengthy incident, but the selfless efforts of initial crews and officers helped to ensure it was brought to a safe and successful conclusion.

Red Watch from Liverpool City also received a commendation for freeing a lorry driver from his cab after the vehicle overturned near the Kingsway Tunnel.

The driver, who became trapped between the vehicle cab and the roadway, was bleeding heavily and his condition was deteriorating rapidly, making his extrication time critical.

In extremely cramped and stressful conditions, the crews used heavy hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment to free the man and he was then taken to Royal Liverpool Hospital, where he spent several week recovering from his injuries.

Firefighter Terry Young also received special recognition at the event from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society for rescuing an elderly man from the Leeds to Liverpool canal whilst off duty.

The Chief’s Commendation Event gives special recognition to those who have displayed acts of bravery to save the lives of others.

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