Madeiran police officers Marco Camacho and Diogo Sousa have been awarded the Public Security Award by the Public Security Police (PSP) in recognition of the courage and dedication they displayed while rescuing a family from a house threatened by fire in Madeira.
According to the PSP, the incident occurred on the 17th of May 2026 in the parish of Santo AntĂłnio, Funchal, after emergency services received reports of a fire in a residential area.
The two officers were the first to arrive at the scene, where they found a large blaze burning on land adjacent to a house. The flames were rapidly spreading towards the property, while the occupants’ only escape routes had already been cut off.
After being informed that several people remained inside the house, including two children and an elderly person, the officers acted without hesitation.
The PSP said the pair entered the property through a roof window despite the danger to their own safety. They successfully evacuated all of the occupants, who were described as being in a state of panic, preventing what could have been a tragic loss of life.
During the rescue, Officer Diogo Sousa sustained traumatic injuries to his right hand. Despite being injured, he continued to assist with the operation until the safety of those involved had been secured.
The Public Security Award was established in 1988 and is presented to police officers who demonstrate exceptional courage in the line of duty. It recognises those who place themselves at considerable personal risk while successfully responding to incidents involving humanitarian emergencies, serious crime or threats to public safety, displaying an outstanding sense of duty and commitment.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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