Date: 20th May, 2019
A Gillingham company has been honoured as Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s On-Call Employer of the Year.
Watch Manager Duncan White, officer in charge at Mere fire station, nominated his employer, Tincknell Fuels on the Brickfields Industrial Estate, for the award.
The presentation was made by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell at the Service’s annual awards ceremony, held at the Guildhall in Salisbury on Thursday 16 May.
Watch Manager White said: “I started working for Tincknell Fuels at the same time I applied for the Fire Service, 15 years ago. At my initial interview, I mentioned that I wanted to be an on-call Firefighter, and would the company support me in this. They have supported and encouraged me ever since, and not once complained or made me feel that I could not take time off to attend courses and training. I have been given the flexibility to carry out my duties both at work and with the Fire Service and always allowed me to occasionally turn in late with no questions asked.”
He added: “My fire service role has also benefited my job with Tincknell Fuels. I have been able to communicate and advise customers and colleagues on various subjects, I have a first aid at work certificate, I can advise on fire safety, and my extra knowledge of hazmat incidents complements both jobs.”
Rob Ormond, Managing Director of Tincknell Fuels, said: ‘’Duncan is a credit to the Fire and Rescue Service, and to us at Tincknells, and we are delighted to encourage his continued participation in the Service, which we value and appreciate hugely. We work in an industry where safety is paramount, and to employ someone of Duncan’s character and skill is simply priceless. Only this week, we have engaged the services of another on-call firefighter in another of our businesses, and we hope he too will become a shining light for his colleagues. To be invited to receive acknowledgement of our small part in this incredible service is very much appreciated, and, frankly, humbling.’’