PC James Salmon (retired), PC Matt Thomas and DC Mark Jones

Police Constables Thomas and Salmon and Detective Constable Jones of Dyfed Powys Police have been nominated for their role in saving 2 people from a house fire in Haverfordwest in November 2013.

In the early morning of 8th November, Dyfed-Powys Police were notified of a house fire in Haverfordwest. DC Jones and PC Salmon were the first officers on the scene, quickly followed by PC Thomas. The officers were informed that there was someone inside the property, the front of the house was well alight and the officers could see that the inside of the premises was filled with dense black smoke. They decided they couldn’t wait until the Fire Service arrived so they forced their way in through the burning front door and found themselves in total darkness as they made their way through the unfamiliar layout of the flat whilst struggling to breathe. They managed to locate the occupant of the flat who was still asleep in bed but also suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.

The officers also located another individual who was also sleeping, having unexpectedly stayed overnight. As the 2 officers and 2 occupants attempted to leave the property, they found that the front door had swung shut and locked them in the building. Unable to force it open, PC Salmon used his radio set to open the door, allowing them all to escape.