The ceremony was attended by over 200 people, including award recipients and their guests, the SFRS ceremonial team and the following senior dignitaries who presented the awards:
- The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Gulshan Kayembe
- His Majesty’s Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Suffolk, Edward Creasy
- Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, Councillor Steve Wiles
- Chairman of Suffolk County Council, Councillor Jessica Fleming
- Chief Resilience Officer, Suffolk Resilience Forum, Becky Heginbotham-Blount
More than 40 individuals and nine teams received awards recognising the professionalism, dedication and teamwork that underpin community safety and resilience across Suffolk.
Recipients included wholetime and on-call firefighters, volunteers, professional support staff, Trading Standards colleagues, emergency planning partners and members of the public.
Cllr Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection said:
“This evening reminds us of the incredible dedication shown by everyone who works to keep Suffolk safe. From firefighters and Trading Standards colleagues, to volunteers, members of the public, and our emergency planning partners who work to ensure emergency preparedness, their efforts make a real difference to communities across the county.”
Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey, who presented seven awards on the night as well as The Chief Fire Officer Commendation, added:
“I am proud to see so many deserving individuals being acknowledged for their hard work and dedication. Without them, and all those whose incredible work was not rewarded this evening but whose contributions are every bit as valued, Suffolk would not be as safe and resilient as it is today.”
The evening also included a poignant moment of reflection, with a minute’s silence held in honour of friends and colleagues who have passed, including Oxfordshire firefighters Jenny Logan and Martyn Sadler, who tragically lost their lives at the Bicester incident in May this year.
The ceremony was sponsored by SFRS suppliers Motorola Solutions, Emergency One, Delta Fire and HaloITSM.
The event also provided an opportunity to raise funds for charities supported by Cllr Jessica Fleming, Chairman of Suffolk County Council:
- YANA (You Are Not Alone): supports those in agriculture and other rural businesses affected by stress or depression.
- SMART (Suffolk Music and Arts Alumni Trust): helps young people in the county access high-quality music and arts opportunities to enrich their lives.
Money was also raised for the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides mental, physical and social support to those who work in the fire and rescue sector, and their families.
