Wiltshire firefighters honoured for long service
A Pewsey business has also been recognised for helping on-call crews
A number of Wiltshire's firefighters and brigade staff have been honoured for their long service.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has held their annual awards ceremony at the Tidworth Garrison theatre.
The prizes given out on the night included those who've committed 20, 30 or even 40 years of public service.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said:
“We have a Service to be proud of, and the awards ceremony is one way in which we celebrate the dedication of staff from across the organisation. We serve an area encompassing the local authority areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire, and our people deliver outstanding work across our prevention, protection, emergency response and corporate functions.
“As well as honouring the achievements of our staff, it is always an opportunity to give personal thanks to the families and friends who have supported them and the work of our Service. We also recognise the on-call employers who are so essential to us being able to provide our emergency response. It is often this support that has enabled the quite outstanding achievements to take place.”
Support for on-call firefighters honoured
A Pewsey business has also been given an award for its support to on-call firefighters at the local fire station.
Fordbrook Furniture Ltd has helped several members of staff to respond as on-call firefighters from work, and it has also made its premises available for training.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said:
“This award is very well deserved. Fordbrook’s support for our on-call firefighters in Pewsey has included allowing time for training and providing flexibility in working hours. In return, our firefighters use their knowledge and expertise in areas such as fire marshal duties, first aid and guidance with risk assessments. I’m very grateful to the company, especially Chris Roberts, for their outstanding contribution to our Service.
“If someone is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, they should look at our website to see whether there’s an on-call fire station near to where they live or work, then get in touch with us to have a chat about what’s possible. The main things are that people are enthusiastic, want to work as part of a team, and want to be part of their community.”