Fire Service staff recognised for long service

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service honoured its long serving employees in a special awards presentation. 

The event, held on Tuesday 4 October, saw 32 staff members recognised for their 20 and 30+ year careers. Their proud families, friends and colleagues joined them to celebrate their career milestones.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, and was hosted by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Moira Bruin.

Firefighters who have completed 20+ years' service were awarded The Fire Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst presented 28 firefighters with medals for their 20 years’ service. Two firefighters were recognised for 30 years’ service with Long Service Awards.

Two colleagues were also recognised for 20 and 30 years’ service and were presented with Long Service Support Staff Awards.

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said:  “It is an honour to celebrate and recognise the long service and good conduct of colleagues from across our service; colleagues who have dedicated many years to making Essex a safer place to live, work and travel.  

“This medal is among the most prestigious awards that can be given to a serving firefighter. It marks 20 years of exemplary service to the public, 20 years of saving lives and reducing risks to our communities and 20 years of putting others first. It is 20 years of maintaining the highest standards for discipline and competence. 

“I also know from personal experience that family and friends are the hidden support network for our people. The ones who listen, the ones who often have to change commitments at the last minute due to our colleagues being called away, or late home from shift; the ones who wake up on Christmas morning or other important events with their loved ones away protecting the communities they serve. The ones for who without your unwavering support and understanding those receiving awards tonight could not have done what they have. They are all a special part of the Fire Family and I am tremendously grateful to them all.”

The medals that colleagues received will be among the last to depict Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Rick added: “The Queen saw public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her role, including as a patron of The Fire Fighters Charity. Together we will remember her work and commitment to public service.”

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service prides itself on recognising the achievements of all of its colleagues and values the contributions everyone makes.

There are many different types of career opportunities on offer, not just operational and frontline but in specialist and professional support roles too. You can find out more about the range of the roles on offer at join.essex-fire.gov.uk