The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire
The Society exists to give recognition to people who perform acts of bravery in rescuing others from the life-threatening effects of fires in the United Kingdom.
Since 1836 the Society has existed to give recognition to people who perform acts of bravery in rescuing others from the life-threatening effects of fires in the United Kingdom. From its establishment (as the Royal Society for the Protection of Life from Fire):
- it has awarded certificates which testify to ‘distinguished conduct while engaged in the rescue of life from fire’;
- in especially meritorious cases it also awards a medal;
- young persons who are awarded the Society’s certificate may also receive a small monetary award.
It encourages police forces and fire brigades to report such heroism and to nominate, for formal recognition by the Society, those who perform gallant actions in fires.
The Society has enjoyed the unfailing support of the UK insurance industry. Since 1881 to the present day its Board of Trustees has included past or present senior executives of major insurance companies.
Trustees are frequently inspired by the accounts of distinguished conduct which are contained in nominations received by the Society. Since its beginning almost 27,000 cases of fire rescue attempts have been recorded, most of them leading to awards to those nominated.
The Society is a registered charity and its activities are funded entirely by charitable donations, usually from insurance companies. In 2015/16 the Society was delighted and most grateful to receive donations from the following insurers: Admiral, Ageas, AVIVA, CIS General, Covea, Ecclesiastical, Esure and LV=, as well as from the Worshipful Company of Insurers.