Date: 16th September, 2026
Three chainsaw specialists have received Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations for their help at a fatal road traffic collision earlier this year.
On 18 February, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) was called to Wareham Forest where a car had come off the road, colliding with multiple trees before coming to rest in a wooded area.
Access to the two surviving casualties was severely impeded by standing timber and fallen trees, so crews on scene contacted retired firefighter Tom Reid, who served at Wareham fire station, and also worked for over 40 years with the Forestry Commission.
Living less than five minutes away, Tom immediately gathered his forestry equipment, including his chainsaw, and proceeded directly to the incident. Further assistance then came from Connor Snowdon and Jason Giladjian, experienced staff from Knighton Countryside, a 24/7 contractor that had also been contacted for help.
Working together, they wasted no time in systematically removing branches and cutting fallen trees into manageable sections, enabling crews to gain vital access to the vehicle.
Their collective actions significantly enhanced operational capability at the scene.
Tom’s unique combination of forestry expertise and extensive Fire and Rescue Service experience allowed him to integrate seamlessly with crews, allowing all three chainsaw operators to work safely and effectively under highly pressured conditions.
All those at the scene that night agree that, without this prompt intervention, access to the casualties would have been significantly delayed, and the prognosis for the two survivors would likely have been far worse.
In recognition of their courage under pressure, all three received Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations at the DWFRS annual awards ceremony, held in Salisbury on 12 September.