The long service and good conduct of 14 members of staff from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has been recognised, at a presentation ceremony on Friday 29th January.
Long Service and Good Conduct medals were awarded to 11 operational firefighters, one Control operator and two members of Support Staff by the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mary Prior MBE.
The event, which took place at the Artillery Ground, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, saw the staff recognised for 20 years employment with AF&RS.
Medals were awarded to firefighters James Collier, Andrew Farnden, Linda Fayers, Simon Hatch, Paul Incledon, Gary Neads, Lucy Stratton, Nick Stratton, Nigel Weston, Robin Wilson and Lee Wright. Fire Control operator Catherine Withers as well as Support Staff members Pam Henry and Ian Havens were also recognised.
The Fire and Rescue Service Long Service Good Conduct Medal is awarded to full-time and part-time members of the fire and rescue service throughout the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
The medal is awarded for 20 years of good and efficient service.
Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson said: “It is a remarkable achievement to reach 20 years in the fire and rescue service and is very worthy of recognition.
“At AF&RS we strive to ensure the safety of our community, through preventing, protecting and responding. These members of staff have been doing that for two decades and long may it continue.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate and thank all those who have received medals and certificates.”
In recognition of demonstrating exemplary behaviour and courageous actions during a fire at a block of flats, Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson also presented his Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation to Paul Cherry.
In October 2015, Mr Cherry was returning to his block of flats when he noticed smoke billowing out of the window of one of the flats.
He helped the occupier to leave the flat and also threw a towel and a bucket of water over the fire before leaving the property.
If it had not been for the actions of Mr Cherry the occupier may well have perished.
CFO Pearson said: “It was an honour to meet Mr Cherry whose actions showed incredible bravery and this commendation is well deserved.”
