Fire marshals: The EU NTN team of SGT Wan, and PCs Lau, Yum and Tang

If someone was trapped in a fire, many of you might dash in to help without hesitation. However, apart from bravery, close co-operation and mutual support is also essential to a rescue.

This was the experience of four New Territories North Emergency Unit officers who recently demonstrated altruism and courage by bringing two boys trapped in a fire to safety.

On May 23, Sergeant Wan Kwok-chung and Police Constables Lau Sze-keung, Yum King-man and Tang Kwok-hung sped to Long Ping Estate in Yuen Long where a fire broke out in a unit.

SGT Wan led PCs Yum and Tang to break into the flat while PC Lau cordoned off the building.

SGT Wan said: "We were told someone might be trapped in the unit, so I tried to extinguish the flames with a fire hose as PCs Yum and Tang broke the door down." PC Tang added: "When we got in, we could hardly see as the unit was filled with smoke and flames."

As firemen arrived, the toilet door was broken down and the officers dashed in to grab the boys who were unconscious when brought out.

PC Yum said: "The kitchen of the 200-square-feet house was stuffed with inflammable objects. When we tried to break the toilet door down, the fire was right behind us. Racing against time, we did not pause for even a fraction of a second."

The four heroes stressed teamwork gave them extra courage and confidence in the dangerous situation.

"The incident proved officers must try their best in their own role to make a rescue a success. Besides, our routine door-breaking and fire-fighting training was invaluable," SGT Wan said.

PC Lau added: "We were so worried about the boys we went to see them the day after they were hospitalised. After several days in intensive care, they miraculously regained consciousness. Their quick recovery was so encouraging. They even said 'thank you' to us when we visited their home."

In their thank-you letter to the Force, the parents said: "These officers are a credit not only to the Force but to society as a whole. Their selflessness and commitment to saving lives will forever leave a deep footprint in the sands of our memory."



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