Date: 23rd May, 2022
A number of Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations were presented at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony, held at Tidworth Garrison Theatre on Thursday 12 May.
The awards were made by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, following nominations from members of staff. He said: “Every year, I receive a number of nominations for consideration for a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation. This Commendation marks the appreciation of the Chief Fire Officer of meritorious conduct that is above and beyond the call of duty, by staff, volunteers, partners or members of the public.”
Recipients at the awards ceremony included:
- Crew Manager Mike Grimshaw, Chippenham fire station. In recognition of his outstanding professionalism and commitment in his role as a Civilian Services Contingent Drill Instructor. This role plays an essential part in the national act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London and involves a year long commitment of planning, preparation, rehearsals, and performance.
- Amanda Stevenson and Alan Weston, residents of Netheravon. In recognition of their swift and courageous actions at a water rescue incident in Netheravon in November 2021.
- Andrew Tucker, resident of Monkton Farleigh, and Watch Manager Stuart Williams, Bradford on Avon fire station. In recognition of their selfless actions and support at a road traffic collision near Monkton Farleigh during Storm Eunice in February 2022.
- Michelle White, Safe & Well Advisor, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole. In recognition of her outstanding professionalism, commitment and innovation in developing and implementing a Hoarding Behaviour Support Group, which now meets weekly in Poole.
At the same ceremony, Making a Difference Awards were also presented, recognising and celebrating outstanding or innovative contributions of staff, volunteers and external colleagues to the Service’s strategic aims.
These awards were kindly sponsored by Panasonic Connect UK. Will Holmes, Emergency Services Business Manager UK and Ireland, said: “Panasonic Toughbook were delighted to sponsor the awards ceremony and it was an absolute honour to assist in presenting the Making A Difference Awards to people who really have made a difference in supporting the Service to support the community.”
Amongst the recipients at the awards ceremony were:
- Steve Clegg, volunteer photographer, based in Bournemouth. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to the Service as a volunteer photographer, supporting the communications team in their work.
- Carol Parsons, resident of Pewsey. In recognition of her outstanding support and commitment to Pewsey fire station. Carol’s father served as an on-call firefighter for over 20 years; as such, she holds the fire station and staff close to her heart, and always goes out of her way to help with charity events and recruitment.
Details of all recipients, including those not able to attend the ceremony, can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/awards-ceremony-2022
