On Thursday 28 November, HWFRS staff were honoured for their outstanding service and commitment to the fire service, alongside members of the community who received special recognition awards at the annual Herefordshire Medals and Awards Ceremony, held at the Town Hall, Hereford.
The Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley CBE DL presented His Majesty The King’s awards in recognition of Long Service and Good Conduct for 20 and 30 years uniformed service and the Vice-Chairman of the Fire Authority, Cllr Roger Phillips presented a Service award for 30 years of service.
The Chief Fire Officer presented the Silver Axe award to Edward Kennewell, awarded each year to the top Wholetime Trainee Recruit.
The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Mrs Patricia Churchward, presented two Community Volunteer of the Year Awards, to Chris Atkins and Dave Franklin, in recognition of the outstanding support, enthusiasm and dedication they have both given as community volunteers during the previous year.
Kington Building Supplies and Ewyas Harold Primary School were also recognised and each presented with a Chief Fire Officer’s Employer Award in recognition of the exceptional contribution they have made to the safety and wellbeing of their local communities by releasing On-Call Firefighters over a significant number of years.
Chief Fire Officer, Jonathon Pryce, presented the Chief Fire Officer’s Letter of Appreciation to:
Craig Cummings, Grant Hathaway and Steve Shellam – in recognition of the actions taken when they attended a flooding incident at a residential property in Much Cowarne.
Emma Griffiths – in recognition of the actions taken when she attended an incident in Eaton Bishop where a vulnerable person had entered the river.
Mike Lewis – in recognition of his contribution to the successful delivery of a number of capital build projects by ensuring the ICT infrastructure was fit for purpose.
Vice-Chairman of the Fire Authority, Councillor Roger Phillips, presented the Chairman’s Certificate of Commendation to:
Stewart Dewar – in recognition of his significant contribution to the delivery of the new MSA breathing apparatus project.
Adrian Morris – in recognition of his involvement in a piece of work that led to two commemorative plaques being erected at Hereford Cathedral to remember John Davies and David Morris who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Dr Malcolm Russell MBE, Prometheus Medical International – in recognition of the contribution he has made to Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service in his capacity as a HEMS doctor.
Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Pryce said: “It was an honour to once again be able to formally recognise some of the fantastic achievements and commitment of our staff and members of the community.”
He continued: “All of the accolades given were very well-deserved and many recipients have contributed towards keeping the people of Herefordshire and Worcestershire safe.”