Posted: Friday 27 September 2024, 14:52
On Thursday 26 September 2024, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service held its annual awards ceremony at Pride Park Stadium in Derby, honouring 25 individuals who have completed 20, 30 and 40 years’ good conduct and long service.
The event, which was sponsored by Motus Commercials and PBI Performance Products, was hosted by Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, Gavin Tomlinson.
This year, 13 operational employees were awarded the 20 Year Fire & Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, presented by his Majesty the King’s representative in Derbyshire, The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE.
In addition, Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, Chair of the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority, presented five support and seven operational employees with Royal Scot Crystal to honour 20, 30 and 40 Years’ Long Service and Good Conduct in the Fire and Rescue Service and Local Government.
Recipients who reached 30 and 40 years’ operational service were also recognised with a long service clasp, presented by the Lord Lieutenant as a representative for the monarch. These clasps were introduced under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II following new Royal Warrants for police and fire and rescue services.
Speaking at the ceremony Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson KFSM, who was among those recognised for 30 years’ long service, said: “It is an honour to be joining you 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. 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 continue delivering such an effective service to the communities of Derbyshire.”
Reflecting on the awards, Councillor Ainsworth 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.”
20 Year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Recipients:
Standing: (L-R) WM Kieran Eaton, WM James Burton, FF Leyland Sampson, CM Stuart Rowley, SM Gareth Murtagh, SM Jonathan Smith, CM/ On-Call WM Sean Jones, WM Andrew Shimwell
Seated: (L-R) CM Craig Radford, WM Joanna Raisin, Lord Lieutenant Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson KFSM, WM Allan Gillott, CM Anthony Tagg, FF Christopher Dawson
20 Year Long Service Award Recipients:
(L-R) Councillor Trevor Ainsowrth, James Allcock, Helen Minion, CFO Tomlinson, Davinder Johal, Joan Cheung-Mo
30 Year Long Service Clasp and Award Recipients:
Standing: (L-R) Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, Retired SM Mark Hudson, WM Neil Porteous, WM Stephen Eaton, WM Karl Dumelow
Seated: (L-R) Lord Lieutenant Elizabeth Fothergill, CFO Tomlinson, Jeanette Ferguson
40 Year Long Service Clasp and Award Recipients:
(L-R) Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, Lord Lieutenant Elizabeth Fothergill, CFO Tomlinson, Ann Sharp, Paul Sayles