While we may all like to think that we would act heroically in another person’s time of need, very few of us can say that we have and even fewer will be able to say that they have been instrumental in preventing the loss of a life.
The Rescue Champion of the Year Award, sponsored by Dentistry@Markethill, recognises those from charitable and emergency organisations, alongside members of the public who have acted with haste and bravery when others needed them the most.
This year’s nominees are Kenny Irwin, Armagh On-Call Firefighters and Michal Kulikowski. Vote for your winner here.
At the start of 2024, Kenny Irwin saved the life of an elderly neighbour by pulling him from his burning home in Portadown.
The retired paramedic was returning home from a drive to Warrenpoint when he discovered flames coming from his neighbour’s residence.
His instincts quickly kicked in and after calling for the assistance of another neighbour, Kenny entered the house to find the homeowner laying in the hallway and together they pulled him to the safety of the paving outside.
They then wrapped him in blankets to keep him warm while they awaited the fire service and ambulance personnel.
Undoubtedly, Kenny’s vigilance, quick-thinking and expertise saved a life that day in January.
Then four months later, Michal Kulikowski found himself in an eerily similar position.
It was around 6am on the morning of April 26, when Michal’s dog Dino began “screaming” that she wanted to go out. Once he entered Walton Street, Portadown he noticed smoke coming out of a window.
After telling his wife to alert emergency services Michal began banging on doors to wake people up.
When the homeowner told Michal her sons were upstairs he dashed up and removed them from the building; noticing smoke billowing from the empty bedroom across from where the children were sleeping.
The incident required the attendance of six fire and one aerial appliance and left three people requiring treatment for smoke inhalation.
Armagh On-Call Firefighters, who have been nominated as a team, will appreciate more than most the bravery of both Michal and Kenny.
Armagh On-Call is made up of a squad including Kevin McAuley as Watch Commander, four Crew Commanders and 12 firefighters.
They attend various calls throughout the year including calls to building fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues, water rescues, flooding accidents, chemical incidents and incidents that require the team to assist ambulance services.
This team of volunteers are always on the clock; responding to emergency calls, at any time of the day and night. They are required to attend their drill night every Monday evening and have seven mandatory training days per year for training on fire appliances and equipment.
Each On-Call Firefighter has their own full time job and family that they leave at the drop of a hat when the time comes that they are needed elsewhere.
