Posted: Friday 6 September 2019, 14:54
On Thursday 5 September 2019, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service held its annual awards ceremony at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield, honouring 24 individuals who have completed 20, 30 and 40 years’ good conduct and long service.
The event, which was sponsored by Bristol Uniforms, FireAngel (Sprue) and Motus Commercials, was hosted by Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, Terry McDermott on the evening of his retirement from the Service.
This year three operational employees were awarded the 20 Year Queen’s Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, presented by her Majesty the Queen’s representative in Derbyshire, The Lord-Lieutenant, Mr William Tucker. This medal is presented to those who have provided long and meritorious service to the UK Fire & Rescue Service.
In addition, Councillor Kevin Buttery, Chair of the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority, presented 21 operational and support employees with lead crystal vases to honour 30 and 40 Years’ Long Service and Good Conduct in the Fire and Rescue Service and Local Government.
Speaking at the end of the evening, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott said: “It is an honour to be here this evening, celebrating and recognising the long service and good conduct of individuals from across the Service; individuals who have dedicated many years to making Derbyshire safer together.
“In recognising the long service of our employees, it is equally an honour to welcome their families here this evening too. Family and friends are the hidden support network for all of our employees, the ones who listen, the ones who are in the background quietly providing the support necessary to allow them to do the jobs they do – for this I am thankful.
“This evening has been a proud occasion for all and I hope everyone attending can reflect on the achievement of those receiving a medal, or an award, knowing that without such a dedicated workforce, the Service would simply be unable to achieve the successes it has had in reducing the number of emergency incidents across Derbyshire.”
Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott received his 30 years long service and good conduct award from the Chair of the Fire and Rescue Service, Councillor Kevin Buttery, who paid tribute to Terry on the occasion of his retirement from the Service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Councillor Buttery said: “Tonight we have celebrated the long service and good conduct of many of the Service’s past and present employees and it is an honour to be part of that celebration. Everyone here this evening should feel justly proud of the contribution they make to the safety of our Derbyshire communities.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention and pay tribute to the work of one of tonight’s award recipients, our retiring Chief, Terry McDermott. This evening I had the privilege of presenting Terry with his 30 years long service and good conduct award on the evening of his retirement. Terry has successfully led the Service since 2015 and leaves us in a strong position to deliver our priorities under the leadership of our incoming Chief, Gavin Tomlinson. On behalf of the Fire and Rescue Authority and all of the employees of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to wish Terry a long and happy retirement.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson was successfully appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for Derbyshire. Mr Tomlinson takes over the role as Chief from the 6 September 2019.
20 Year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Recipients:
(L-R): FF Martin Ottewell, FF Alexander Whyte, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson, Lord-Lieutenant, Mr William Tucker, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott, FF Paul Markham.
Stationed at:
FF Paul Markham – Chesterfield Fire Station
FF Martin Ottewell – Crich Fire Station
FF Alexander Whyte – Ascot Drive Fire Station
30 Year Long Service and Good Conduct Award Recipients:
Standing Back Row: (L-R), SM Christopher Smith, FF Shaun Glossop, FF James Rhodes, GM Stephen Wells, WM Mark Burnham, FF Chris Seale, FF Ian Carline.
Standing Middle Row: (L-R), FF Terence Brown, WM Valentine Morrell, FF Robert Fowler, CM Andrew Williamson, FF Andrew Drabble, FF Nigel Brown.
Seated: (L-R), GM Sean Wells, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Kevin Buttery, AM Robert Curry, FF David Mosely.
FF Nigel Brown (Chesterfield)
FF Terence Brown (Alfreton)
WM Mark Burnham (Ilkeston)
FF Ian Carline (Matlock)
FF Steven Carrington (Staveley)
CM Stephen Clark (Clay Cross)
Retired AM Robert Curry (HQ)
FF Andrew Drabble (Chesterfield)
Retired FF Shaun Glossop (Chesterfield)
CFO/CE Terrence McDermott (HQ)
WM Valentine Morrell (Ripley Training Centre)
FF David Mosely (Chesterfield)
FF James Rhodes (Chesterfield)
FF Chris Seale (Ilkeston)
Retired SM Christopher Smith (HQ)
Retired GM Sean Wells (HQ)
GM Stephen Wells (HQ)
CM Andrew Williamson (Buxton)
40 Year Long Service and Good Conduct Award Recipients:
(L-R): Stephen Hunt, Karen Stocks, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Kevin Buttery, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson, Karen Partridge.
Stephen Hunt (HQ)
Karen Partridge (HQ)
Karen Stocks (Ascot Drive)
CFO/CE = Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive
AM = Area Manager
GM = Group Manager
SM = Station Manager
CM = Crew Manager
FF = Firefighter