Recognition of rescue sought

Press, 30 August 1986, Page 3

Recognition of rescue sought

By

BARRY SIMPSON

in Nelson

Public recognition of the bravery of Stephen Ching in rescuing two small boys during a house fire at Nelson on Thursday night, will be sought. Mr Bob Pollock, grandfather of the two boys, said yesterday he had already spoken with the Mayor of Nelson, Mr Peter Malone, and indicated to him that something should be done to recognise the young man’s heroic actions. The house was well ablaze, and a raging fire in the corridor had cut across to the children’s bedroom from the south, when Stephen Ching climbed a 6m pipe, got on to a balcony, and broke through into the children’s room and rescued both. The Nelson fire commander, Mr David Grigg, yesterday praised the

courage of Stephen Ching and his father, Ralph, in their rescue of the boys. “That was a very courageous act. I know what the atmosphere in there would have been, and there was always a danger of a flash-over,” he said.

The boys, Robert, aged 5, and Michael, aged 3, and their mother, Mrs Brenda Pollock, were not hurt, but their father, Mr Robert Pollock, suffered severe burns to his hands. Mr Pollock was admitted to Nelson Public Hospital, where he was in a comfortable condition yesterday. Mr Grigg said the fire was believed to have started when petrol was ignited by a trouble-lamp.

Mr Pollock had renewed the house insurance the day before the fire, but this is not likely to cover all the family losses.