Four Ayrshire cops have been recognised for their bravery after helping to rescue sleeping residents from a building blaze.
PC David Murdoch, PC Phoebe Pritchard, PC Michael Shields and PC Allan Wardrop courageously burst into a three-storey building on Ayr High Street in May 2020.
Due to the time of day – 2.15am – residents were asleep and could have easily succumbed as there were no smoke or audible alarms were fitted, Police Scotland have claimed.
Cops say the team of officers fearlessly entered the building and located and evacuated residents in the daring early-morning rescue mission.
The cops' selfless actions led to the rescue of many people and prevented any loss of life.
Six fire appliances raced to the well developed blaze in Ayr town centre on May 17 last year, which saw the roof of the property gutted.
The inferno caused huge damage when breaking out in the roofspace of flats above the popular World of Art shop.
Today, the four were handed bravery gongs as part of The Chief Constable's Bravery and Excellence Awards.
After presenting 25 bravery awards to 31 police officers and 16 members of the public, Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “The last 12 months have underlined the relentless and challenging nature of policing.
“Officers and staff are playing a crucial role supporting the national response to coronavirus. At the same time, they continue to meet the needs of our communities, providing day-to-day policing and responding to a number of demanding and high-profile incidents.
“Today is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding policing which occurs all over Scotland, day in, day out, and to commend members of the public for the selfless acts of bravery and courage to help their fellow citizens.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and nominees and thank them for their commitment to public service.
“I’m also grateful to Police Mutual for their continued support of this important event.”
Scottish Government justice secretary Humza Yousaf added: “The Bravery and Excellence Awards allow us to reflect on selfless acts of courage which have made a real difference to people at their greatest time of need and to recognise the innovative and high quality work by officers and staff from across the service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners.
“I want to thank all the officers, staff and members of the public, who were nominated for awards, for their service and support in these challenging times.
“I have always been proud of the dedication shown by our police officers and police staff, to keep us all safe, and the current pandemic has highlighted that the police workforce is highly adaptable in its response to new challenges.”
