Date: 15th May, 2025
A number of Making A Difference Awards were presented by Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole at the DWFRS awards ceremony, held on Friday 9 May, to acknowledge exceptional work by members of staff.
Prevention officers
Education Manager Tess Cross, Safe & Well Manager Sarah Moore, and Education Officers Davina Sparks and Karen Towner were collectively recognised for their hard work, professionalism and dedication to our prevention priorities. Prevention Delivery Manager Vikki Thomas introduced the award, which was sponsored by Fireblitz. Davina was unable to attend on the night so will receive her certificate in due course.
Personal safety workshop team
The team behind November’s successful personal safety workshop for staff have been recognised for their commitment. ED&I Manager Christine Sharma introduced the award for Ikraam Fourhali, Thomas Huntley, DS Eleanor Jones, Jo McGowan, WM Leah Smith and AM Dave Waters, and it was presented by CFO Andy Cole with Efe Gokce and Fausto Matiazo from sponsors Crystal Facilities Management Services.
Breathing Apparatus training manual team
Two general trainers from West Moors Training Centre were recognised for their hard work in developing and delivering the new Breathing Apparatus Manual. CM Andy Holt and CM Rob Phelps received their certificates from CFO Andy Cole and Andy Kerr from sponsor NEC, following a citation read by SM Dan Joslin, Training Centre Manager.
Andy Kerr, Senior Client Director for NEC, said: “As we are based in the Dorset &Wiltshire FRS area, we are proud that we have worked together for over 10 years to deliver mission-critical operations as part of the Network Fire Services Partnership, giving Fire Control and firefighters the information they need to keep the public safe.”
Drew Smith
ICT Technician Drew Smith, based at Poundbury, was nominated by Head of ICT Fiona Kiernan-Tatem for the way he has stepped up to work above and beyond his job role in support of the wider team. CFO Andy Cole and Ewan McDonald from sponsor Kubus made the presentation.
Ewan MacDonald, from Kubus, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to sponsor such an important event. Kubus Group pride ourselves in giving back to the community and feel this sponsorship was fully deserved to host an event that acknowledges both staff and the community alike. Some real stories of bravery make it such an important time to recognise the courage these people have, and Kubus felt honoured, as a gold sponsor, in having the opportunity to present one of the awards. We would like to thank DWFRS for making us feel so welcome during the event and look forward to next year’s!”
