Annual fire service awards honour bravery and comm

The Duchess of Northumberland presented medals and awards to staff, partner organisations and members of the public on behalf of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service at a ceremony last week.

 

The annual awards ceremony - held to recognise the dedication of long serving staff, the bravery of staff and members of the public and the support of partner organisations - took place at Alnwick Castle on Tuesday 20 October.

 

Brian Hesler, chief fire officer and director of community safety at Northumberland County Council, said: “It’s important that we recognise the commitment of our staff and all those who help us to carry out our work in safeguarding the well-being of the community. We were delighted that The Duchess of Northumberland, as the Lord Lieutenant, was able to present the awards; she has been a great supporter of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service events.”

 

A total of 15 staff, all with at least 20 years service for Northumberland Fire and Rescue, received a long service medal and there were also a number of special awards presented during the event as follows:

 

 

The chief fire officer’s bravery award – received by Anne Lewis as well as

James and Malcolm Miller;

Queen’s fire service medal –  Chief fire officer Brian Hesler;

Sheriff’s Cup 2008 (the National Golf Team Championship of the Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association) – winner Northumberland Fire and Rescue;

Award of the defence medal – Charles Stephens and Miriam Scott;

Chief fire officer’s community safety award – Firefighter Mark Mather;

Chief fire officer’s partnership award – Chief Constable Michael Craik;

Chief fire officer’s certificate of appreciation – George Dews, SCA Hygiene;

Chief fire officer’s special award – Kate Wood;

Medal winners at the World Firefighter Games – Amanda Cregin, Nick Barker, Robert Jackson and Roy Arnesen.

 

Councillor Ian Lindley, Northumberland County Council’s executive member for community safety (incorporating Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service), said: “I would like to congratulate all of the award winners and thank them for their loyalty, support and in some cases exceptional bravery. In our work to ensure the safety and well-being of the community in Northumberland we rely on the fantastic commitment shown by such people.”

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