Sophie’s proud of Haiti hero dad

Pete Stevenson (centre) is in Haiti to assist in the earthquake rescue operation.

The daughter of a heroic firefighter battling to save lives in quake-hit Haiti says her dad is fast becoming a local celebrity.

Peter Stevenson, 48, who is based at Rochdale fire station, has been leading Britain’s rescue efforts in the capital Port-au-Prince for 10 days.

In an interview with Manchester radio station Key 103, Sophie said she was extremely proud of her dad.

The 11-year-old said although she was worried about his safety as more minor earthquakes hit, she knew he would be OK because he is very good at his job.

She added: “My daddy has phoned me twice and we have been texting each other. He tells me he misses me and he loves me. He said it is not very nice in Haiti.

“He went to help out in Pakistan when there was an earthquake there. In Haiti, they were using their hands to look for people but my daddy took special equipment over to help and I am very proud of him.”

Peter was part of a British team which rescued Mia, a two-year-old girl, on Monday after five hours of digging.

Nine Greater Manchester firefighters are among 64 from across the UK who flew to the stricken Caribbean nation with two rescue dogs and 12 tonnes of equipment to search for people trapped under collapsed buildings.

Sophie, who has praised her school teachers and friends for their support, said: “I spoke in assembly about what my dad is doing in Haiti and we have been fund-raising for the people who live there.

“I am scared about my dad being there but he keeps telling me he has gone to do a job and it is a job he does every day.

“My teacher says he is a hero but he is always a hero to me.”