Stowmarket Fire Station has been named Community Hero of the Year at the 2026 Stowmarket Town Council Awards after being nominated by a member of the public in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the local community.
The award was presented during the annual awards celebration, held on Friday 25 September. The evening began with a drinks reception at St Peter's & St Mary's Church Hall before guests gathered at the John Peel Centre for a three-course dinner and awards ceremony.
Representing the station on the evening were Watch Manager Joe Bishop and Firefighter Matt Shepherd, who accepted the award on behalf of the entire Stowmarket crew.
Sponsored by Christies Care, the award reflects the station's commitment both on and off the incident ground, recognising firefighters' dedication to supporting local residents, community groups and events throughout the year, alongside their emergency response role.
Throughout the year, firefighters from Stowmarket regularly engage with residents of all ages. Crews host visits for Scouts, Brownies and Beavers, participate in the Stowmarket Carnival procession, attend school fetes across the town and surrounding villages, support Armed Forces Day celebrations and take part in the annual Remembrance Day procession. They also support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service's annual charity car wash, helping to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.
The award also acknowledges the professionalism, compassion and dedication shown by crews during several significant incidents.
In September 2025, firefighters from the station played a key role in responding to a major fire at Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service in Stowmarket.
Working alongside colleagues from neighbouring stations, crews tackled the fire and assisted with the safe and respectful relocation of those in the care of the funeral directors. Their actions provided reassurance to bereaved families during exceptionally difficult circumstances and drew praise from the funeral home's management.
In July 2026, Stowmarket firefighters were among the first crews to respond to a significant fire in Creeting Road West. Working alongside partner agencies and colleagues from across Suffolk, crews helped bring the fire under control and protect nearby homes and infrastructure, including the adjacent railway line.
Watch Manager Joe Bishop said: "We are incredibly proud to have been named Community Hero of the Year.
"The award belongs to everyone at Stowmarket Fire Station and recognises the commitment, professionalism and community spirit shown by the whole crew.
"It was a privilege for Matt and I to accept the award on behalf of the station and we'd like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the year."
Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I was delighted to learn that Stowmarket Fire Station had been nominated in this year's awards and even more so when I heard they had won.
"What makes this recognition particularly special is that it began with a nomination from a member of the public. To be recognised by the people you serve is a powerful endorsement of the professionalism, compassion and commitment shown by the whole crew.
"I would like to congratulate everyone at the station on this well-deserved success."
Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, said: "Every fire station in Suffolk plays an important role in the life of its community, and while this award recognises the fantastic work of Stowmarket Fire Station, it also speaks to the dedication shown by crews across the county.
"Building positive relationships with local communities helps to foster trust, support prevention work and strengthen community resilience, and the recognition received by Stowmarket demonstrates the positive impact firefighters have both on and off the incident ground.
"My congratulations go to everyone at the station on this outstanding achievement."
