A WEST Devon police officer who helped save two lives from a blazing building was recognised for his bravery before a glittering audience of famous people on Tuesday.
PC Simon Dell, from Tavistock, received the Beyond the Call of Duty award at the Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2002 at the Hilton. The prestigious event, hosted by Carol Vorderman, was broadcast to the nation last night.
Guests included Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Joan Collins, Sting, Victoria Beckham and Claudia Schiffer.
Simon, 43, was nominated for his part in rescuing the son and husband of Christine Fox from a burning property in Callington in February 2001.
Mrs Fox said: 'I owe him a lot of gratitude — he is a policeman in a million.'
Simon was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife Shirley and their son Matthew, 15, and daughter Laura, 13. Also in the audience was Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Sir John Evans — and his special guest Callington PC Jim Pollock.
Simon was initially told confidentially he had been selected from almost 400 nonimations — he did not even tell his family.
'I felt slightly embarrassed because it was my job. It was my duty. I couldn't walk past. I did no more than any other member of the emergency services in the same circumstances.'
For this reason he found it difficult to reconcile being chosen by the judges for the award. 'There were other worthier nominations than mine.'
After rescuing David Evans from the blaze, Simon was then joined by PC Jim Pollock, who had just come on duty. Both officers entered the smoke filled building to find the boy's stepfather David Fox. The man was located in the bedroom over the seat of the fire.
'Had Jim not come in on that second occasion I wouldn't be here today. I couldn't have brought the unconscious man out myself. I dread to think what would have happened without Jim,' said Simon.
Just moments after they got the man out, the floor collapsed.
'It would have taken me a lot longer on my own — and I would have been in the room when the floor fell through.'
The Chief Constable presented both officers with a commendation with star — the highest commendation he could give — for their rescue.
As a result of the inhalation of fumes Simon has been diagnosed as asthmatic.
'I burnt my respiratory system breathing in the hot smoke — it was like an oven in there.'
He is still on steroids and antibiotics and gets out of breath.
'A month ago I met the lad that I pulled out and looked at him for the first time. My first reaction was "that was worth it". He said "thank you" and shook my hand.'
He can still recall the screams of the young lad somewhere in the dark ahead of him.
'I got to the landing and stopped. Then I realised he was at the top of the house. It was like going down a one-way street and there seems no way of getting out.
'I reconciled myself to the fact I was not entirely sure I would get out of this one.'
Simon says at the time of the fire he could see a vision of his daughter's face.
'I thought if that was Laura I wouldn't want to leave her and there was no way I could leave him.'
By the time he got to David the boy was unconscious. 'I put him over my shoulder and tried to find the stairs. I had to get past a door that was on fire. That's when the flames burnt my hands and hair.'
Simon recalls his ginger moustache and face was black. 'I looked like a miner!'
What makes his story all the more remarkable is he has had a fear of fire ever since he saw three teenagers burn to death in a car accident 21 years ago.
'To see a person's face the other side of a flame is something I find unbearable. Even with a birthday candle I have to make sure I sit on the same side . . .'
Simon said he felt more nervous receiving the award than he would 'giving evidence in Crown Court'.
'But there was more pleasure seeing young David than any award. To see him alive and say "thank you" made all the discomfort worthwhile.'