Policeman hailed for rescuing woman from fire

Constable Kurt Waugh been hailed for going 'beyond the call of duty.' File photo / NZ Herald

A Bay of Plenty police officer has been hailed for going "beyond the call of duty" in extinguishing a house fire with a garden hose and carrying a woman out of the smoke-filled building to safety.

Acting-Area Commander for Western Bay of Plenty Police, Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said police went to a Te Puke address around 10.30pm after receiving calls from concerned relatives about the safety of a woman at the address.

"Constable Kurt Waugh from Te Puke Police attended the call, arriving at the address to find the property on fire and full of smoke. He retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol car and attempted to put out the fire. When the fire extinguisher wasn't successful, he used a garden hose to douse the flames," Mr St-Clair said.

"Constable Waugh then forced his way into the house to search for any occupants. Due to the heavy smoke, he was forced to exit and re-enter the house several times to catch his breath.

"After clearing the ground floor, Constable Waugh then made his way to the second floor, smashing a number of windows in an effort to clear the smoke before continuing his search.

"He eventually located a female in the master bedroom of the house, who was unresponsive and appeared to be unconscious. Constable Waugh then carried her out of the house where she received medical treatment."

The woman was not admitted to hospital.

Inspector Wright-St Clair said the outcome could have been very different, had it not been for the actions of Constable Waugh.

"Every day, police officers from around New Zealand attend calls for service where they go above and beyond the call of duty. This is one of those cases," he said.

Inspector Wright-St Clair said Western Bay of Plenty are passionate about what they do, working long hours to support their communities.

"Constable Waugh reinforces this commitment and the local community should have great confidence in the quality of the police staff who serve this area so well."

Inspector Wright-St Clair said a police investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire. The Fire Service will also be completing a report into the incident.

Constable Waugh saw his actions as a normal part of his role as a police officer, a police spokeswoman said.

"He's just a cop who says he was doing a job."