Bermuda Fire Service firefighters were honoured for their bravery and heroism during an award ceremony at their Headquarters last week.

Fire Chief Officer Vincent Hollinsid presented five firefighters with the Fire Service Certificate of Commendation for their bravery during the collapse of the Imperial building on November 20, 2004.

During the demolition of the old Imperial Hotel on Church Street, three construction workers became trapped inside when the floor they were standing on gave way.

?The first firefighter arrived at 5.48 p.m.,? Mr. Hollinsid said. ?After an hour of arduous digging all three (men) were rescued with no life threatening injuries?.

He said Divisional Officer Melvin Outerbridge, Lt. Ronnie Aguiar, Sgt. Alex Swan, Gail Thorne and Alan Wilkinson were honoured for their diligence as they carried out their duties.

The Fire Chief also recognised Sergeant Troy Furbert, with the Fire Service Certificate of Commendation for saving the life of a three-year-old boy whose airway became blocked when he choked on a grape during a play at the Cornerstone pre-school on October 16, 2004.

?Sgt. Furbert was watching the play, but when he realised what was going on he sprang into action and gave life-saving treatment,? he said. ?He could not dislodge the grape, but the airway was partially restored and he breathed for him until the ambulance arrived.?

And Divisional Officer Anthony Caisey and Sgt. Wendell Simmons were awarded certificates of commendation for trying to save the lives of the Causeway victims during Hurricane Fabian.

?When the call came through to dispatch that people were stranded on the Causeway it was firefighters from the Clearwater Fire Station who responded first,? he said. ?Four persons started to tie themselves together during wretched conditions. We honour the crewmen who put their own lives at risk to safe others.?

Firefighters Carl Govia, Lionel Furbert, Michael Madeiros and Leroy Bascome were also awarded certificates but were not present at the awards ceremony. Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Randy Horton thanked the Bermuda Fire Service.

?Thank you for discharging your responsibility, for going above and beyond the call of duty, for upholding your own lofty standards and for enhancing the already fine reputation of the Bermuda Fire Service,? Mr. Horton said.

He said the whole community owes the Fire Service a debt of gratitude. ?Heroism is a quality synonymous with the Bermuda Fire Service,? he said.