Hose the Daddy?

A Hertfordshire postman was among a group of hero firefighters honoured by the Queen for bravery after he helped save dozens of elderly residents from an inferno.

Chris Meadows, based at Hoddesdon Delivery Office, has been a retained firefighter for 12 years and was among crews called to a blaze at a care home. The roof of the building was well alight by the time teams arrived and Chris and his partner were immediately sent inside to help rescue the 35 residents.

The fire crews repeatedly entered the building facing smoke, flames and falling debris as they searched rooms and evacuated residents, carrying many of them out to safety.

Chris, a postman for 19 years, said: ‘The conditions were bad. We evacuated as many people as we could. We rescued a husband and wife who were partially blind and in the same room.

‘There was lots going on but when you’re working in that environment, you’re just dealing with what’s in front of you.’

Chris and his colleagues saved 33 residents, although sadly, two people died in the blaze.

He and six fellow firefighters have since been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal – presented to civilians for exemplary acts of bravery. Chris travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive his medal from Her Majesty.

‘I’m very proud,’ said Chris. ‘For me it’s more than just us seven firefighters, it was everybody there who worked as a team.’