TWO firefighters have been honoured with the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery after rescuing a woman from the Mersey.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Nigel Quarmby and Colin Burgess, who are based at Warrington Fire Station, have received the recognition for their courageous actions during an incident along the river on Saturday, September 22 2018.

Crews were called to the scene – near to Forrest Way in Sankey Bridges – shortly after 9pm after receiving reports of a woman threatening to enter the water.

She then fell into the Mersey and was swept away by the fast-flowing current.

The officers entered the river using a line secured at its banks, but it was not long enough to allow them to rescue the casualty.

Mr Burgess instead used himself as the tether in order to allow Mr Quarmby to wade into the water and save her life – despite battling deep mud and poor visibility.

And the pair have now been commended for their heroics by the George Cross Committee.

Chester and District Standard:

Colin Burgess receiving his award

Chief fire officer Mark Cashin said: “The service is extremely proud of the quick thinking and brave actions of Nigel Quarmby and Colin Burgess on the evening of September 22 2018.

“This was a high-risk incident where a life could have been lost.

“Thankfully, a woman’s life was saved due to the actions of the watch and particularly Firefighter Quarmby and Firefighter Burgess.

“They both showed courage and determination in the most difficult of circumstances, and they accepted significant risks to their own safety to save someone’s life.

“I was delighted to present the watch with a Chief Fire Officers Commendation in recognition of their efforts, and for Nigel and Colin to receive such high recognition as the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery is very well deserved.”