Essex County Fire and Rescue Service celebrates Long Service and Good Conduct Awards
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) honoured staff for their long service, commitment, and dedication at a special awards ceremony.
Colleagues, friends and families gathered at Colchester Community Stadium on Thursday 19 October to recognise fire service staff who have completed more than 20, 30 and 40 years and beyond of exemplary service.
The event was opened by Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton and Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Rick Hylton said: “As Chief Fire Officer, it makes me incredibly proud that we come together as a Service to celebrate the achievements of our people.
“Together they have given more than 700 years of dedicated and exemplary service protecting our communities. We also awarded two colleagues with Chief Fire Officer Commendations for their life saving actions.
“I'd like to thank all our colleagues for their contribution and professionalism, helping to make Essex a safer place to live, work and travel.
“I would also like to pay special tribute to their families who joined them at our event. Without their support we wouldn't be able to serve our communities in the way we do, and they too deserve recognition for the role they play.”
Roger Hirst said: “I would like to pay tribute to the firefighters and staff for their many years of service, and for going above and beyond in their roles. Their knowledge, experience and courage in the face of challenging incidents is truly inspirational.
“Each of those recognised are a credit to themselves, their families and their communities and should be rightly proud of the difference they have made to people’s lives. On behalf of the people of Essex I would like to thank them for helping to make our county safer.”
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst along with Deputy Chief Fire Officer Moira Bruin and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Smith presented the awards and medals to the officers.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service prides itself on recognising the achievements of all of its colleagues and values the contributions everyone makes.
