Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 23/11/2005 19:15

Three firefighters from Cornwall County Fire Brigade have been commended by The Honourable Mrs Justice Hallet for their outstanding work.

On Saturday 13th June 2004 Cornwall County Fire Brigade were called to a fire in Laregan Hill, Penzance. The first crew from Penzance arrived and the Sub Officer in charge, Neil Ruffell, discovered a bungalow ablaze with someone trapped inside.

More fire engines arrived from Penzance, St Just and St Ives, and Station Officer Andy Barrett was called to manage the incident.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus started to tackle the fire but it had spread to the roof which made it extremely dangerous. The occupant was found but unfortunately he was already deceased. Concrete tiles started to fall onto the firefighters as the roof began to collapse so a quick decision had to be made about what to do next.

The firefighters had discovered evidence that proved this could be a major crime scene so moving anything could be detrimental to investigations. They made the difficult decision to leave everything just as it was and covered the body to protect it.

Over the following days the Brigade worked very closely with their colleagues the Police to gather evidence and establish the cause of the fire.

The cause of death was established as unlawful and the decision the firefighters made had preserved valuable forensic evidence.
Cornwall County Fire Brigade then compiled a major fire investigation report that played an important part in the Criminal Trial.

The trial was held at Truro Crown Court under the control of Judge Mrs Justice Hallett. Officers from the Brigade were called to give evidence.

At the end of the trial, two individuals were convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years and 23 years imprisonment.

The Judge commended the Police and Fire Brigade Staff for their efforts.

At an award ceremony at Penzance Fire Station on Wednesday 23rd November Firefighter Jason Moore, Sub Officer Paul Gooding and Sub Officer Neil Ruffell and were awarded their certificates of commendation from The Honourable Mrs Justice Hallet.

Station Officer Andy Barrett, Station Officer Clive Williams and Sub Officer Neil Ruffell received Letters of Appreciation from the Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden.

The five firefighters were presented with their awards by the High Sheriff Mr Peter Hodgson, Executive Member for Public Protection Mr Ken Yeo and the Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden.

Executive Member Mr Ken Yeo said: “Firefighters face many difficult circumstances when dealing with a wide variety of incidents across the County, the tragic result of a fire death putting their training and personal attributes to the test. The Chief Fire Officer and myself are very proud that the professionalism and quick thinking of these three firefighters has been recognised by The Honourable Mrs Justice Hallett, and our praise also extends to everyone who worked so hard at this tragic fire”.