A brave woman who entered a Belfast house fire to find a teenager has been honoured at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards.
Naomi Mainwaring was one of the gold medal winners recognised at the prestigious awards, which took place at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield on Thursday, 23rd October.
The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.
Naomi, 44, was working from home during Storm Eowyn on Friday, 24th January 2025, when a neighbour arrived asking for help.
The grandmother had been searching for her 13-year-old grandson after a fire started in her kitchen, but could not locate him.
Naomi told the grandmother to contact emergency services and wait outside, then went into the smoke-filled house in Newtownbreda, south Belfast, to look for the boy.
She eventually found him in the bathroom, unaware of the incident. She used towels to cover his face and take him outside to his grandmother.
Because of the storm, several trees had fallen along major arterial routes, and travel to the area was challenging for emergency services.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland attended the incident.
The grandmother and Naomi were treated for smoke inhalation. The grandson was checked over and, thanks to Naomi’s actions, given the all clear.
Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony as honorary secretary, said: “Naomi’s bravery in entering a smoke-filled house was crucial in protecting the teenager from serious injury, in challenging conditions for emergency services.
“Her actions that day exemplify why we host these awards every year.
“Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable compassion and selflessness.
“They choose to help without the training, safety equipment and support our police officers have access to when protecting the public from harm.
“This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards.”
Belfast Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay, attended the awards on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
He said: “It’s beyond doubt that Naomi’s actions prevented the teenager from sustaining serious injury, or worse. She put herself directly in harm’s way in order to help her neighbours. I’m proud to represent the Police Service of Northern Ireland today as she rightfully receives the recognition she deserves for her selfless bravery.
“It’s been humbling to listen to the stories we’ve heard here today. Police officers risk their lives every day to help the public – that’s their job - but to hear of ‘ordinary’ people who do the same, without the appropriate equipment or training, is inspirational.”
Naomi, like all the gold award winners, was given a gold-plated, solid silver medal created by The Sheffield Assay Office.
Additionally, Belfast man, Paul McCourt, was awarded a silver medal at the ceremony. Paul confronted and restrained an intoxicated man who had assaulted staff at a maternity unit.
Without Paul’s intervention, vulnerable pregnant women may have been exposed to serious risk from this highly unpredictable man.
Chief Superintendent Lindsay said: "Paul did not think twice about coming to the assistance of others even as he was there with his pregnant wife. He intervened without a thought for his own safety and was injured himself during the struggle.
"Paul fully deserves the plaudits he has received tonight."
Winners on the night also included people who jumped into rivers to rescue strangers, fought off armed robbers and provided life-saving first aid.
