Four children from Royal Leamington Spa have received commendation certificates after their quick thinking helped rescue an elderly man who had been missing for three days in extreme heat. Oliver, Brooklyn, Evalyn and Kelsey were presented with the awards by Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Ben Brook at Leamington Fire Station on 6 July 2026.
The rescue unfolded in May, when the children were playing in a local park and heard cries for help from dense undergrowth around six feet high. They immediately found their parents, called an ambulance, and guided emergency crews straight to the spot. The man was disoriented and suffering in thick vegetation, and ambulance crews later confirmed he might not have survived had he remained undiscovered for another few hours. Watch Manager Toby Bleby, who nominated the children, said their calm and clear communication made a decisive difference.
During the ceremony, the children toured the station and visited the new control room at the service’s headquarters before enjoying a ride in a fire engine. Chief Fire Officer Brook told them, “It was a pleasure to present a commendation to these young people who demonstrated how important it is to look out for one another. Their actions undoubtedly helped save a life and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves.”
Watch Manager Bleby, who also attended the original incident, stressed that the children stayed calm throughout and provided accurate information until help arrived. “There is no doubt the children’s intervention helped save his life,” he said.
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