Fermanagh men receive bravery awards
Two Fermanagh men were recognised for their outstanding acts of bravery at the prestigious National Police Public Bravery Awards.
Bernard McDonald and Paul Shannon were among 13 other recipients across the UK to receive Gold Awards at Monday’s event, November 28, which was held in Sheffield.
The pair were recognised for their effort during a fatal house fire in Derrylin in 2018. The fire at Molly Road claimed the lives of 45 year old Denise Gosset (also known as ‘Crystal’), 19-year-old Sabrina Gosset (also known as ‘Elektra’), 16-year-old Roman Gosset, and 16-month old Morgana Quinn.
Bernard had been travelling to work when he saw black smoke coming from a house. He quickly contacted Paul, who lived nearby, and both entered the house despite the air being thick with black smoke and their access blocked due to a burning joist.
Still the two men managed to clear entrances that would be later used by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service colleagues.
The intense heat and smoke not only caused injuries to the men but also made searching the property almost impossible. Their assistance however also helped support the subsequent investigation, which has led to a man being charged with four counts of murder and four counts of arson.
Both Bernard and Paul were accompanied to the awards ceremony by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd, Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander Superintendent Mervyn Seffen and Former Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Doug Garrett.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander Superintendent Mervyn Seffen stated: “Bernard and Paul had no thought for their own personal safety when they attended the house fire in Derrylin, which sadly resulted in the deaths of four people. Despite the perilous conditions and the obstacles within the property, their only concern was for those inside.
“Although both men are extremely humble and played-down their efforts, they provided a vital role in the arrest and subsequent charge of a man for this incident. They should be extremely proud of their actions and are both a credit to the community of Fermanagh.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony Paul said: “To be honoured in this manner is very flattering and humbling. These awards are also in memory of those who lost their lives on that tragic day, as well as those responders who attended the scene of the fire in 2018.”