The father of Arbroath girl Jessica McCagh, who tragically died in a fire at the hands of her boyfriend, called for recognition of the actions of the selfless young neighbour who tried to rescue Jessica from the ferocious blaze.
Last night that recognition came to 19-year-old Ricci Foreman, when he was presented with an award from The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
Ricci was honoured at a Tayside Fire and Rescue Service ceremony at Blackness Fire Station in Dundee, where chief fire officer Stephen Hunter presented the award.
Ricci was supported by Jessica’s family, parents Marion and Garry and sisters Anne Marie (30), Natalie (28), Lisa (27) and Ashley (25) with their partners.
It was a moving occasion as the efforts of Ricci to save Jessica were recalled.
With no thought for his own safety, he did all he could to put the fire out and help her.
Sadly, his efforts were in vain.
After the presentation Mr McCagh said simply, “I’m glad the lad got it.”
The murder of Jessica (17) shocked the nation with its cruelty.
Her boyfriend, Stewart Blackburn, doused her in petrol, set fire to it and held onto the door of the bedroom in the flat they shared in Bloomfield Road, Arbroath.
Mr McCagh took time when Blackburn was sentenced to praise Ricci, Jessica’s upstairs neighbour, saying, “That guy should be put in for a medal or a certificate or something.”
Mr Hunter said that in the early hours of April 25 Ricci was woken by the sound of two explosions and breaking glass, and went out of his flat to find the close filled with smoke.
He heard cries coming from the flat below, where he knew Jessica to be. He had to kick down her door as the handle was burning hot.
When Ricci went into the flat, he found Jessica engulfed by flames.
He tried to extinguish the blaze but, due to its severity, was unable to.
He then managed to get Jessica outside into the care of waiting paramedics.
Mr Hunter said, “Ricci suffered burns to his hands, arms and legs but he went back into the close because he knew other occupants were there.
“He went to alert them and to tell them to wait for fire and rescue services.
“As a result of this he was almost overcome by thick toxic smoke.”
He added, “It was a tragic conclusion to a tragic set of circumstances but it could have been a lot worse but for the actions of Ricci.”
Unassuming Ricci said he was shocked when he went into Jessica’s flat but just kept going.
He had been on a fire academy course run by the fire brigade and Angus Council in 2005, working with firefighters, which helped when he tried to save the life of his friend and neighbour.
However, the power of the fire started by Blackburn was terrifying.
Out of work at the moment but with experience of being an electrician and a chef, Ricci is hoping that someone will offer him a job so he can move on with his life.
The McCaghs are still trying to cope with the memories of that day.
Mr McCagh said, “It feels like it was just a few days ago and next month it will be a year since it happened.
“We are just trying to get through together.”
Blackburn was sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime and will serve a minimum of 21 years behind bars.