Royal reward for brave firefighter

Last week Crew Commander Miller was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal after he put his life on the line on the night of Dungiven fireman Joe McCloskey's death.

The firefighter battled through intense heat and flames to save the father-of-five after he fell through the roof of a store room at the Gorteen House Hotel. Tragically the 50-year-old later died in hospital. Joe's wife Marie says she is delighted Gavin is "finally" receiving recognition for his act of bravery.

Speaking to the Sentinel, Marie described how heroic Gavin gave her the last few moments of husband Joe's life.

"We are indebted to Gavin for the rest of our lives," Marie told the Sentinel.

"I have always said it, Gavin was the hero that night and Joe was the victim. He never hesitated one minute that night, he went in without thinking of himself or his family to save Joe."

Marie continued: "I had a few moments with Joe before he died, I would never had them only for Gavin's actions. It's ironic to think that I never met him until Joe had died. When I seen Gavin in the hospital corridor that night I just threw my arms around him and thanked him.

"Everyone said Joe was the hero that night but there is no doubt about it; Gavin was. Gavin put his life on the line, even though him and Joe wouldn't have really known each other socially. Joe was based in Dungiven and Gavin in Limavady."

Marie says she has been hoping for the last six-and-a-half years that married dad of one would receive recognition of h work that night.

"Throughout everything Gavin has always been standing in the background. I am pleased that he is finally getting the recognition he deserves after six-and-a-half years.

Marie continues: "We would often run into Gavin and his family and he always stops and talks to us and I often wonder how he does it. There is no doubt that he is still suffering from what happened that night. Even when his suit started to break down inside the building that night, Gavin did not leave Joe's side.

"He is a true firefighter and I am so pleased that now everyone will know what a hero he is."

Gavin described receiving the news that he was to be royally honoured as a "surprise".

"I was really surprised. I rang Marie straight away to tell her the news. When I read the letter from the Prime Minister to say that I was going to be given a medal it was with mixed emotions - happy that I was to be given such an honour but sad about the reasons why."

Gavin battled what he described as "a pool of flames" to carry Joe out of the burning building. The intensity of the fire was so hot it melted Gavin's protective clothing.

"Before I went in for Joe I already knew the intensity of the heat, but I just thought that if I got to Joe he could see that there was someone there trying to help him."

Gavin continued: "There was so much amazing work carried out by my colleagues, the PSNI, the paramedics on the scene, Altnagelvin's Accident and Emergency Department and Burns Unit. They all deserve thanks for what the work they did."

"My wife and wee boy Adam are over-the moon with the news as well. My mother and father are just so happy at the news. I have had letters from Ministers, different fire services and even banks congratulating me on the news. It's unbelievable but as I said before it is not just me who should be getting recognition for that night, it is teams of people."

The Limavady man is now waiting on a letter from the Queen to invite him to receive his medal.