Bravery award for man who saved dogs in Halesowen house fire

Tom Alexander and his family were invited to Haden Cross Fire Station in Cradley Heath where he received a Certificate of Meritorious Action from Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Stanton.

He also had chance to meet the firefighters who responded to the incident.

Tom Alexander, centre, with firefighters at Haden Cross Fire Station (Image: West Midlands Fire Service)

In August, Tom was enjoying a quiet afternoon at home when he heard a commotion from a property just four doors away.

Seeing a fire in a kitchen that had trapped three dogs, Tom entered the house without hesitation, rescuing the animals, isolating the electrics and using a garden hose to extinguish the flames.

Despite the risk, Tom managed to free all three dogs and received oxygen therapy from fire crews who arrived just four minutes later.

Watch Commander Leigh Raxster, who was present at the scene, said Tom’s actions were unlike anything he’d seen in his career.

He said: “In my 21 years on the job, I’ve never seen anyone do as much as he did in such a short time.

“Tom took on the role of a firefighter that day without a second thought. A humble man, he did a brilliant job, and we were delighted to welcome him and his family to Haden Cross for his presentation. We - and many others - thank him for his courageous actions.”

Tom Alexander, centre, with his Certificate of Meritorious Action at Haden Cross Fire Station (Image: West Midlands Fire Service)

Selfless Tom said he did not expect to be honoured for his actions.

He said: “I’ve been taken aback by receiving the award, to be honest. I just did what anyone else would have done - I didn’t expect to be recognised at all.

“In the moment, I didn’t really think, I just helped. After freeing the dogs, I turned off the electrics and put out the fire, all in one moment.”