Young Shrewsbury fire victim inspired to become fireman
A 20-year-old man who leapt from his burning home in Shropshire has become a retained firefighter – inspired by fire crews who came to his rescue.
Sam Smith broke his back and wrist leaping from the fourth floor of his former home in Severn Street, Shrewsbury, when a fire broke out – trapping his sister Laura inside.
Crews saved Laura's life by carrying her out of the building during the incident which happened in July 2010.
And the incident has now inspired him to join the Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service.
The 20-year-old, who was just 18 at the time, said he was wanted to join the fire service 'to help people, like they helped me'.
Mr Smith said he had woken up and smelt burning in the early hours of July 9.
He jumped to safety from a fourth-floor bedroom window, breaking his right wrist and lower back in the escape.
Mr Smith said fire crews were already outside the building by the time his sister woke up.
He said it took six to 10 weeks to recover from his injuries and it was soon afterwards he decided to join the fire service.
He said: "I just thought it would be a good career.
"No-one deserves to be in that situation and I just wanted to help people, like they helped me."
Mr Smith had been concerned he would fail a medical because of his back injury, but said 'everything's healed quite perfectly'.
He completed his training at the end of September and hopes to become a full-time firefighter when a position becomes available.
He joined 17 newly-trained colleagues in a passing out parade yesterday last night.
