Date: 20th September, 2021
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held its annual awards ceremony earlier this month.
As in 2020, the decision was made to hold the event virtually due to the continued challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Medals and certificates were sent to recipients in advance, allowing them to celebrate their achievements online in the company of family, friends, colleagues and invited guests.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were presented to staff on behalf of HM The Queen, and the virtual ceremony on 9 September was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Mr Angus Campbell and the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mr David Scott, who congratulated all those involved.
Other distinguished guests included the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Sir Charles Hobhouse; the High Sheriff of Dorset, Michael Dooley; Members of Parliament; members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority; and representatives of partner agencies including the British Army, Wiltshire Police, and all four local authorities.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “Our annual awards ceremony is our chance to recognise the extraordinary work being done in all parts of our organisation, and to feel real pride in how we help and support individuals, businesses, partner agencies and the wider communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
“It is also my chance to say thank you to the families, friends and employers who have supported our staff and the work of our Service. It is often this support that has enabled the quite outstanding achievements to take place, so it was really good to see that so many family members were able to join us online.”
Details of medal and awards recipients for this year can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/awards-ceremony-2021