An off-duty police officer who saved lives by leading the evacuation of a burning building is this week’s Local Hero.

Sergeant Mark Emery spotted smoke and flames coming from the top-floor flat of a four-storey building while driving with his son in Worthing.

After phoning the fire service, he kicked in the building’s front door and quickly made his way to the top floor. He spotted smoke coming from one of the flats and immediately shouted through the letterbox to alert whoever might be inside.

He received no response and was unsuccessful in gaining entry, so banged on the neighbouring door of two elderly residents. The couple did not believe Sgt Emery was a police officer and refused to open the door or leave the premises. Amid increasing smoke and heat from the blaze, the off-duty officer posted his warrant card through the couple’s letterbox and the door eventually opened. However, the door was only partially opened with its chain on – and the elderly man behind it was holding a knife. Sgt Emery finally managed to persuade the man he was a police officer and that the building was on fire. He then escorted the couple through intense heat and smoke to safety.

He was told the occupant of the property on fire was “probably at the pub” and, while making his way down the building, banged on the doors of each flat to make sure no one was left inside.

The fire service arrived as he was leaving the building and went on to rescue the occupant of the burning flat, who had been overcome after smoke inhalation.

Sgt Emery received a Chief Constable’s Commendation in 2013 for his actions and has was nominated for a national Police Bravery Award on Thursday in London.

A spokesman from the Sussex Police Federation said: “Sgt Emery is nominated because he put himself at risk by entering a four-storey building without any safety equipment to ensure none of the occupants were put at risk.

“He spent over 15 minutes attempting to alert all other occupants and assisted in the removal of two elderly occupants. His prompt actions have saved the life of one male and prevented the potential loss of life of two other occupants.

“This was especially impressive as he is a permanently restricted officer having suffered a broken back in a training accident in 2010.

“He is a very quiet and unassuming man who didn’t even tell his colleagues what he had done.

“It only came to light when the fire service contacted his supervisors to inform them of his bravery.”

Hundreds of heroes go almost unnoticed in our local communities – but The Argus is determined to give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve.

We have teamed up with housing repair and maintenance company Mears for our weekly Local Hero Awards.

We are inviting readers to nominate their candidates and tell us why they have put them forward.

Call Ben Leo on 01273 544682 or email ben.leo@theargus.co.uk.