Two Gwent Police officers who risked their safety to rescue a man trapped inside a burning house have been nominated for a national Bravery Award.

PC Danielle Westbrook and PC Thomas Simmonds have been praised for their courage in pulling the man to safety and will represent the Force at this year’s Police Federation of England and Wales Bravery Awards.

The officers were the first to arrive at the scene of a house fire in Tredegar during the early hours of 6 April 2025.

On arrival, they were met by a distressed resident whose deafness initially made communication difficult, before the officers established that another person remained inside the house.

Danielle and Thomas entered the burning house in an attempt to locate the missing occupant.

Thick smoke severely restricted their visibility and, despite making their way upstairs, they were forced to retreat as conditions deteriorated.

However, knowing someone was still trapped inside, Danielle made the courageous decision to re-enter the house.

At the top of the stairs, through the dense smoke, she spotted a hand appearing on the banister.

Firefighters

She immediately moved towards the casualty, grabbed hold of him and, with assistance from firefighters, pulled him to safety.

The man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and scarring to his lungs.

The officers’ award citation said: “Nonetheless, it is unequivocal that the decisive and selfless actions demonstrated by PC Cole and PC Simmonds were instrumental in giving the individual a fighting chance of survival.

“Their exceptional bravery and commitment to public service in the face of significant personal risk are to be highly commended, and their conduct reflects the very highest standards of the police service.”

Despite sharing the nomination, Thomas was keen to highlight the bravery shown by Danielle, who has since transferred to Wiltshire Police.

He said: “The nomination is more for Dan than me.

"Originally, we both went upstairs but we couldn't see anything because the smoke was so thick. We came back down coughing, but Dan went back up again.

"She pulled the man from the landing and then the fire service helped bring him out. Dan's the one who deserves this.

Smoke

"When Dan went back in, she'd already been affected by the smoke. She knew there was still someone inside and she went anyway. Without her, I genuinely don't think that man would have survived.

"She is very humble. Every time somebody says she saved a life, she brushes it off and says we were all just doing our jobs.

"I don't think she appreciates just how good a job she did that day."

The pair also nominated for a second regional bravery award in Cardiff ahead of the PFEW awards in London later this year.

Gwent Police Federation secretary Dean Lanfear said: “Every day officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, but the actions of Danielle and Thomas were truly exceptional.

“They showed incredible bravery and professionalism when faced with a dangerous and rapidly developing situation to save this person’s life.

"Thomas is quick to praise Danielle's actions, and it is clear her decision to re-enter the property despite the significant risks involved demonstrated extraordinary bravery.

“However, both officers displayed the highest standards of policing throughout the incident and their nominations are thoroughly deserved.

Awards

“Everyone at Gwent Police Federation is immensely proud of them and we wish them well at the awards.”

Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: “The actions of Police Constable Danielle Cole and Police Constable Thomas Simmonds exemplify the very highest standards of courage, public service, and professionalism from police officers across the country.

“Confronted with a rapidly developing house fire, limited visibility, and significant communication challenges, both officers displayed exceptional composure and determination in their efforts to safeguard life.

“Their decision to enter a smoke-filled property, at considerable personal risk to themselves, demonstrates the core traditions of policing to protect and save life.

“PC Cole’s repeated re-entry into the property, and her decisive act in locating and rescuing the trapped occupant, undoubtedly prevented a far more tragic outcome.

“PC Simmonds’ support throughout this dynamic and dangerous incident further reflects the strength of teamwork and commitment that underpins outstanding frontline policing.

“The bravery shown by both officers was selfless, instinctive, and driven by a sense of duty and to protect those within the communities they serve.

“Their conduct serves as an inspiration to us all, and I am immensely proud of their actions.

“I am proud to say that PC Cole and PC Simmonds are officers of Gwent Police and the public should be proud that officers with such pride and bravery work within their communities.

“This incident goes to strengthening the public's trust and confidence in the officers and staff that work so tirelessly to provide a service that we can all be proud of, putting those communities are the heart of everything we do.”

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