Cyril Bates’ quick thinking has been praised by Leicester Fire and Rescue Services after his swift actions saved another man’s life.
Cyril, from Tamworth was awarded with the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Certificate of Commendation.
It follows an incident on a fishing lake at Boundary Farm, Orton on the Hill on November 3 2017, when fisherman Bob Yale slipped and fell into the lake rendering him unconscious.
After hearing a loud splash, Cyril raced round the lake and saw that Bob had got tangled up in the lakes vegetation. He immediately jumped in and dragged him towards the bank.
Cyril then drove to a nearby farm house and asked the owner to call the emergency service before racing back to Bob and waiting with him until the rescue services arrived.
Bob was rushed to nearby Walsgrave Hospital where he received further treatment and made a full recovery.
Leicester Fire and Rescue Services felt it was fitting to commend Cyril for his actions. A presentation was held at Hinckley Fire and Rescue Station on Friday 10 March where Cyril was awarded with the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Certificate of Commendation by Steve Lunn.
They were also given the opportunity to take a tour of the fire and rescue station and meet the duty fire crew.
Steve Lunn, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, said: “Although we always advocate calling the emergency services to deal with a situation like this, undoubtedly, Cyril’s quick thinking under pressure and his subsequent actions until the fire and rescue service arrived, helped save Bob’s life and should therefore be commended.”
By Keya Modessa
