Dean Seaward

I nominate one of my firefighters The detail of the incident is an extract from the BBC news. A firefighter whose snap decision saved the lives of a family trapped on the roof of a burning building in Blackpool has been given a top bravery award. Dean Seaward climbed a ladder through smoke without breathing apparatus to reach the three people after an arson attack on a takeaway below. Mr Seaward told the BBC he was 'just doing his job'. Firefighters were called to the fire at the Maryam takeaway on Lytham Road, South Shore, in the early hours of 25 November 2008. They were told that a family from the first-floor flat had climbed on to a roof to escape the flames, cutting off any escape route. Crews could not see the roof because of the dense smoke generated by the fire, but fearing the family might jump or fall, Mr Seaward decided he had no time to get into his breathing gear and scrambled up the ladder. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the decision saved the lives of the Jakubowski family. The Queen's Gallantry Medal is awarded for exemplary acts of bravery and fewer than 600 have been handed out since its introduction in 1974. 'It has come as a big surprise to me really. I feel really deeply honoured and proud. Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland said: 'The lives of a mother, father and son were saved by the quick reactions of the fire crews involved and in particular the sheer selfless actions of firefighter Dean Seaward.'