Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held its annual awards ceremony on Thursday 12 May.
After two years of online ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic, 2022 saw a welcome return to a physical event, held for the first time at Tidworth Garrison Theatre.
The event recognised staff achieving 20 years and 40 years of public service. There were also presentations of Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations, recognising meritorious conduct that is above and beyond the call of duty, by staff, volunteers, partners and members of the public, as well as awards for Making a Difference, Young Achiever and On-Call Employers.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were presented to staff on behalf of HM The Queen by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset, Mrs Catriona Payne.
Other distinguished guests included the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Lady Lansdowne; Danny Kruger MP; members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority; and representatives of partner agencies including the Army and Wiltshire Police.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell told KeeP 106: “After two years of online ceremonies, it was wonderful to bring everyone together to celebrate the depth and breadth of work being delivered by all parts of our Service, across our prevention, protection, emergency response and corporate functions. We are truly ‘OneTeam’, working together to be trusted community leaders, supporting individuals, businesses, groups and partners to be as safe as they can be across the constituent authorities of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire.”
He added: “As well as recognising the achievements of our staff, it has been an opportunity to personally thank the families and friends who have supported them and the work of our Service. It is often this support that has enabled the quite outstanding achievements to take place.”
Details of medal and award recipients for this year can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/awards-ceremony-2022
Pictured: Temporary Watch Manager Luke Howell (Weymouth), Watch Manager Bob Terrey (Portland on-call), Joy Phipps (Poundbury support offices), Firefighter Andrew Morel (Charmouth on-call).
