16-year-old lifesaver presented with Chief Fire Officer's Commendation

A teenager who went to the rescue of a woman who had fallen into a canal in Middlewich has been presented with a special Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for his quick thinking and bravery.

Jacob Roberts was 16 at the time and was walking along the canal at Wardle Lock on October 15 2022 when he saw 69-year old Mrs Margaret Potter in the water. Jacob jumped in and helped Margaret, who is from Manchester and was holidaying on a canal boat, to stay afloat after she fell in while attempting to open lock gates. 

Both Margaret and Jacob were invited to attend a special evening at Middlewich Fire Station along family members and the firefighters that attended the incident. Jacob was presented with his award by Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Alex Waller. 

After the presentation Alex said: “What Jacob did for Margaret was brave and selfless. This award is the most prestigious we can give in recognition of someone saving a person’s life and this young man certainly deserves it. However, I wouldn’t recommend that people enter open water. It can be extremely dangerous, extremely cold, and often results in the rescuer getting into difficulty themselves.  But on this occasion, in these circumstances, Jacob did the right thing and his act of selfless bravery saved a life.”

Margaret suffered a broken leg in the fall and firefighters got her out of the water and administered first aid before handing her to the care of paramedics.

For more photos visit - Middlewich Commendation (opens in new window)