The incredible bravery and quick-thinking actions of three Plymouth teenagers has been recognised by the trio all receiving this year’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Award.
The award category was one of 13 at the annual Plymouth Youth Awards organised by YMCA Plymouth to celebrate under 21-year-olds living in the city for their outstanding achievements, inspiring feats against adversity and tireless dedication to creating change.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez thanked Eddie Keaney, 16, and Lucy Woodman, 18, for their “outstanding bravery” after coming across a severe house fire in Plympton and not thinking twice about stopping to help.
Eddie had been walking home from the gym with friends in February 2026 when he came across the fire and was concerned someone was still trapped inside. Demonstrating exceptional courage, he opened the door of a burning house in extremely dangerous conditions.
Thick smoke and intense heat made visibility and movement extremely difficult, but Eddie remained focused and determined to get the occupant to evacuate.
The occupant wanted to stay and rescue his belonging, but together Lucy and Eddie successfully managed to convince the man it was not safe.
In the meantime, Lucy and Eddie’s friend called 999 and alerted the fire service.
Lucy, who was 17 at the time, started to evacuate other neighbours and realised there was a 90-year-old man in the house next-door to the fire. Lucy and Eddie worked together to gain his attention and successfully managed to guide him out of the property to safety. Eddie stayed with the neighbour and continued to act with calm responsibility, alerting nearby neighbours and helping ensure the area was made safe.
A vital supporting role at the scene before and after emergency services arrived was instinctively carried out by Lucy. She helped to reassure distressed neighbours, assisted in moving people away from immediate danger, and supported wider efforts to keep the area safe.
In their joint nomination for the award, Eddie’s and Lucy’s actions were described as reflecting “extraordinary initiative, compassion, and courage – an instinct to help that quite simply saved a life”.
Eddie and Lucy said: “It was a scary situation, but we’re happy we could do something to help. Receiving this award means a lot to us.”
Nevaeh Lake, 17, also was chosen as a winner because of the vital first aid she performed after witnessing a child sustain a significant head injury after falling off their bicycle outside All Saints Academy Plymouth.
Realising how urgent the situation was and the child was bleeding heavily, Nevaeh didn’t hesitate in using her own T-shirt to create a makeshift dressing and then applied direct pressure to help control the bleeding.
She remained by the child’s side, offering calm reassurance and support until emergency services arrived and took over.
Nevaeh, a health and social care student, was praised for putting into practice life-saving skills she has been taught.
In her award nomination she was praised for acting with “clarity, compassion, and courage” which helped stabilise a child at a critical time and a “real moment of human need”.
It was added: “Nevaeh reminds us that care is not just studied; it is lived.”
Plymouth Youth Awards epitomises the incredible work being done by young individuals to transform lives and enrich communities. The Commissioner’s Community Safety Award recognises a young person or group who have made a positive contribution to improving safety within their school, neighbourhood, or wider community.
It honours those who promote awareness of issues such as antisocial behaviour, online safety or violence prevention, and who act as positive role models to their peers and create a safer Plymouth for everyone.
Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “It was incredibly humbling to hear how these selfless three young people reacted so instinctively to help others when suddenly confronted with deeply distressing situations.
“Without their swift intervention, very different outcomes could have played out.”
“The incidents these teenagers found themselves helping with highlight why my office jointly funds Tri-Service Safety Officers (TSSOs) who carry out a unique role as they can be called upon to deal with police, ambulance and fire and rescue incidents. They also provide a broad skill set and enhance early intervention, prevention, and support for vulnerable individuals.
” There are now 14 full-time roles across Cornwall and one in Devon’, and it would be fantastic to see these roles replicated across the country.”
