Two men from Fermanagh were recognised for their outstanding acts of bravery at the prestigious National Police Public Bravery Awards. Bernard McDonald and Paul Shannon were two of only 13 other recipients across the United Kingdom to receive Gold Awards at the event on Monday 28th November, for their efforts during a fatal house fire in Derrylin in 2018. Both Bernard and Paul were awarded for their selfless acts following a fatal house fire at the Molly Road area of Derrylin on Tuesday 27th February 2018, in which 45 year old Denise Gosset (also known as Crystal), 19 year old Sabrina Gosset (also known as Elektra), 16 year old Roman Gosset and 16 month old Morgana Quinn sadly lost their lives.
On that fateful day, Bernard was travelling to work when he saw black smoke coming from a house. He quickly contacted Paul, who lived nearby to the property and after explaining what he saw both men arrived a short time later. They entered the house, despite the air thick with black smoke and with their access blocked due to a burning joist. They managed to clear entrances, that would be later used by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service colleagues.
The intense heat and smoke, not only caused injuries to the men but made searching the property almost impossible. The men left the house, but continued to search around the area before the Emergency Services arrived. Tragically four people lost their lives, but the efforts of both Bernard and Paul during that time and their subsequent information provided as part of the investigation, helped charge a man with four counts of murder and four counts of arson.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland were delighted to be able to accompany Bernard and Paul as they attended the National Police Public Bravery Awards to collect their thoroughly-deserved honours. The event recognised the bravest and the best efforts of members of local communities throughout the United Kingdom who performed selfless acts for others, and both Bernard and Paul were rightly acknowledged for their selfless actions.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander Superintendent Mervyn Seffen added: “Bernard and Paul had no thought for their own personal safety when they attended the house fire in Derrylin, which sadly resulted in the deaths of four people. Despite the perilous conditions and the obstacles within the property, their only concern was for those inside. Although both men are extremely humble and played-down their efforts, they provided a vital role in the arrest and subsequent charge of a man for this incident. They should be extremely proud of their actions and are both a credit to the community of Fermanagh.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony Bernard said: “We are delighted to receive the Gold National Police Public Bravery Awards and we would like to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their nomination. It was a great occasion to be present and one that we will remember for a very long time.” Paul added: “To be honoured in this manner is very flattering and humbling. These awards are also in memory of those who lost their lives on that tragic day, as well as those responders who attended the scene of the fire in 2018.”
