Local heroes to receive bravery awards

A father and son who rescued a pensioner trapped in a car that was seconds away from bursting into flames and two workers at a plastic factory who broke through a wall to save a colleague from being trapped in a fire are set to be awarded the Chief Fire Officers Commendation for Bravery.

Trapped in burning car

Builders Michael Kennedy Senior and Michael Junior were driving to work when they saw the 67-year-old’s car hit a tree and catch fire on the A3400 near Chipping Norton last December.

As smoke billowed out from the bonnet, the pair realised the victim was trapped in the car and knew they had moments to save him before the car went up in flames.

They managed to free the man and drag him about 15 yards away from the burning car before it burst into flames.

Plastics factory fire

Batisz Pytko and Arthur Biegala, from Banbury, will also be awarded the Chief Fire Officers Commendation for Bravery after their quick thinking saved the life of a colleague trapped in a factory fire in May. 

As a fire broke out at the Oxford Plastics’ Enstone Plant, one of the 12 members of staff on duty was trapped in a room that was filling up with toxic smoke. The pair broke through a wall and pulled the man to safety. The rescued man was taken to hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation and burns. 

About 80 fire fighters were called to the scene and smoke from the fire could be seen up to 12 miles away. 

Personal bravery

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:

“These awards are a small recognition for their personal bravery and we are proud to acknowledge their courage in the face of adversity.

“Their actions were nothing short of heroic. They put their own safety aside in order to help others whose lives were at risk.”