Firefighters and staff from across Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have been recognised for their long service, bravery and outstanding work at the Service’s annual awards ceremony in Salisbury.
The ceremony was held on Saturday 12 September and recognised staff who have achieved 20, 30 and 40 years of public service.
Long Service & Good Conduct medals and clasps were presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley LVO FRCOG Hon. DSc, and His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, the Hon. Mrs Primrose Campbell DL.
The ceremony also saw Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations presented for meritorious conduct, recognising people who had gone above and beyond the call of duty.
A number of other awards were presented during the event, which brought together staff, families, friends and representatives of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority.
Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole QFSM described the annual ceremony as one of the most important dates in the Service’s calendar.
“It allows us to celebrate the achievements of colleagues from across all parts of our organisation, from long service to delivering key pieces of work,” he said.
“We also acknowledge acts of bravery by both staff and members of the public.”
The Chief Fire Officer also highlighted the contribution made by families, friends and employers in supporting firefighters and other Service staff.
“A vital element of the ceremony for me is giving personal thanks to families and friends, whose support is so essential to our staff and the work they do for the Service, and to recognise the positive impact of employers who allow their staff to be on-call firefighters,” he said.
“We could not do what we do without them.”
The awards were attended by a number of distinguished guests, including High Sheriff of Wiltshire Dr Alex Goodwin, Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Philip Warr DL and members of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority.
The event was supported by sponsors Kubus, Fireblitz, NEC SWS, HAG and Advantage Digital Print.
Brett Skelton, National Account Manager at Fireblitz, said the company was pleased to support the ceremony and praised the dedication of those receiving awards.
Jeremy Keefe, Chief Executive Officer of Kubus Group, said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the exceptional people whose commitment, professionalism and service make a real difference every day.”
Andy Kerr, Principal Client Director and Sector Lead at NEC SWS, added that the company was pleased to continue supporting the Service and celebrate the achievements of this year’s nominees.
Details of the medal and award recipients from this year’s ceremony have been published by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
