Officers Danielle Westbrook (nee Cole) and Thomas Simmonds were the first to arrive at the scene of a house fire in the Tredegar area of Gwent.

They were met by a distressed resident who, being deaf, struggled to communicate the urgency of the situation. Through patience and perseverance, the officers established that another person was still inside the burning property.

With thick smoke already pouring from the house, both officers entered in an attempt to locate the trapped individual. As they reached the top of the stairs, the smoke became overwhelming, forcing them to retreat.

Firefighters arrived and made their own attempt to enter, but they too were pushed back by the density of the smoke and the effects it was having on them.

Despite this, PC Westbrook re entered the property, fully aware that someone remained inside and that every second counted.

In the darkness and smoke, she saw a hand appear on the banister. Without hesitation, she pushed further into the house, took hold of the man on the landing, and helped pull him to safety. Her actions, supported throughout by PC Simmonds, ensured the man was removed from immediate danger.

The occupant was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and scarring to his lungs. It is beyond doubt that the decisive, selfless actions of both officers gave him a fighting chance of survival.

Their willingness to enter a burning building, repeatedly and at significant personal risk, reflects the highest standards of policing and public service.

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: “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.”

Gwent Federation Secretary Dean Lanfear said: “What PC Danielle Cole and PC Thomas Simmonds did that day goes far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. Faced with a rapidly developing house fire, almost zero visibility, and a distressed resident who struggled to communicate, they showed extraordinary calm, determination, and courage.

"Their decision to enter – and re‑enter – that smoke‑filled home, knowing the risks to their own lives, is nothing short of remarkable.

"It was their perseverance and absolute commitment to protecting life that gave this man a fighting chance of survival. Their actions embody the very highest standards of policing, and we could not be more proud of them.”