A Limavady fireman has been awarded with the Queen's highest accolade for bravery after he pulled a colleague from a burning hotel.
Crew Commander Gavin Miller was presented with the Queen's Gallantry Medal for carrying out the heroic rescue in November 2003.
He fought through the intense heat of a fire at Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady to drag fellow firefighter Joe McCloskey to safety.
Tragically, 50-year-old McCloskey later died in hospital. However, the actions of Gavin Millar gave the father of five time to say goodbye to his wife and kids.
"It is a great honour to receive the Queen's Gallantry Medal," Gavin Miller said. "I am overwhelmed and delighted.
"I would like to dedicate this award to the memory of Joe McCloskey and his family. My thoughts are and always have been with them.
"I would also like to dedicate the award to all my colleagues who fought the fire on that tragic night. It is such a privilege and inspiration to work with such courageous people every day."
Mr Miller joined the Fire & Rescue Service in 1998. He was promoted to Crew Commander in 2009 and now serves part-time at the Limavady station.
He is married to Nuala and has a young son.
Leading officers in the NI fire service gave their congratulations to heroic Gavin Miller for receiving the award.
"Everyone in the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is delighted today that Gavin has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Gallantry Medal," said Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tom Wright.
"It is so rightly deserved and we as an organisation are incredibly proud of him."
Eoin Doyle, Western Area Commander, added: "This recognition has taken some time but NIFRS has remained resolute in its desire to have Gavin decorated for his exemplary bravery.
"Gavin truly represents what working for the fire and rescue service is all about and we are very proud of him."
© UTV News