WELLINGTON firefighters Steve Horrill and Shaun Richards have been commended for “actions above and beyond the call of duty”.

They were called into action on in February this year when hundreds of motorists were stranded near Exeter in freezing conditions.

Their certificates were presented by Devon and Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer, Lee Howell, who said: “On the night February 5, Devon was hit by unexpected heavy blizzards and freezing conditions, making driving difficult if not impossible.

“Over 200 people were stranded on Haldon and Telegraph Hill alone. In other parts of the county, rest centres were established and in Okehampton a power failure meant that there was no heating or lighting.

“That night, fire and rescue crews provided first aid to injured motorists, moved people to a place of safety, provided sleeping bags and blankets with other emergency services and the local authority and even took a heavily pregnant woman to hospital in one of our fire appliances.

“She gave birth to twins a very short time afterwards!

“While in the cold light of day, these actions seem obvious, I would ask you to cast your minds back to that night.

“Imagine what it was like, being confronted with chaos, working in a blizzard, freezing cold and nearing exhaustion after working so hard for so long.

“It is a refection on the character of fire fighters that they did this without thought for themselves and the actions of those involved on the night deserve praise.

“I commend everyone who was involved in dealing with these incidents in whatever way and in particular everyone receiving awards.

“Well done and thank you.”