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Retired firefighter honoured for life-saving act of bravery

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

Fire awards line up

A retired firefighter’s selfless act of bravery was recalled during the presentation of an award on behalf of the Royal Humane Society at Government House in Douglas.

Bobby Moore and his family were enjoying an evening walk on South Quay in Douglas on 25 August last year, when his attention was drawn to an elderly man who had slipped and fallen into the harbour between two boats.

Drawing on more than 28 years’ experience in the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, Bobby immediately entered the water to reach the man, saving his life by supporting and tying lines around him until the emergency services arrived.

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom made a successful application to the Royal Humane Society, a British charity which grants awards for life-saving acts of bravery and for the restoration of life by resuscitation.

Lieutentant Governor Sir Richard Gozney presented the award to Bobby, a former sailor with the Royal Navy, who also received an illuminated address for his career in the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service which ran from March 1989 to July 2017.

The event, which was attended by Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK, Department Member Dr Alex Allinson MHK and Chief Executive Mark Kelly, also saw Station Officer Brian Quirk and Leading Firefighter Andrew Dugdale receive long service and good conduct medals after serving 20 years each.

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom said:

‘I was delighted to attend the awards ceremony that acknowledged the professional and dedicated people who work for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.

‘The Royal Humane Society award presented to retired firefighter Bobby Moore was truly justified and well deserved.’

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK said:

‘The Island has a Fire and Rescue Service to be proud of and I’m delighted to be here today to see firefighters rewarded for their dedication and bravery.

‘The instinctive and selfless way Bobby Moore reacted to help save a man’s life last year has been rightly honoured – despite being retired, he remains a credit to his colleagues and the service itself.’

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