Suffolk Fire Control marks first anniversary with global recognition

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is marking the first anniversary of its state-of-the-art fire control room, just days after it was recognised on the world stage.
Published: 24 Jun 2026
Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer and Cllr Tristan Gale, Cabinet Member present a 1-year birthday cake to the team
L-R: Crew Manager Keely Hodges, Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, Councillor Tristan Gale and Station Manager Georgina Trownson.

The control room, based in west Ipswich, went live on 24 June 2025, modernising how emergency calls are handled and supporting crews responding to incidents across the county.

To mark the milestone, SFRS Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey and Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, visited the control room to meet staff and recognise their work over the past year.

Now, just one year on, the system has been recognised internationally, after being shortlisted in the International Critical Communications Awards (ICCAs) - widely regarded as the leading awards in the sector.

Working with Motorola Solutions, Suffolk was named a finalist in the category of Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety, standing out among more than 100 entries worldwide and reaching the final 12 projects globally.

The nomination highlighted the advanced technology used within Suffolk’s control room and its innovative ‘hub model’, linking with Norfolk and Hertfordshire to strengthen resilience and share demand.

Key benefits include:

  • Stronger coordination during major incidents such as flooding and wildfires
  • Secure remote access, supporting flexible and resilient operations
  • Clearer, more reliable handling of call and incident data
  • Greater collaboration with neighbouring fire and rescue services

Mr Lacey said: “One year on, it’s clear the difference our control room is making for communities across Suffolk. The technology is supporting more informed and coordinated responses to incidents, helping ensure the right resources are deployed effectively.

“To have this work recognised on an international stage alongside some of the leading organisations in critical communications is something we are incredibly proud of and reflects the hard work and innovation of our teams and partners.”

Councillor Gale, added: “We are proud to have such an innovative control room in Suffolk, supporting the Service and the communities it protects.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in delivering and operating it for their professionalism and commitment to the enhancements delivered over the past 12 months.”

Dave Shorland, UK and Ireland Country Manager, Motorola Solutions, said:

“We are delighted to see our collaboration with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service recognised at this level. This project demonstrates how forward-thinking services can harness mission-critical technology to enhance resilience, interoperability and day-to-day operations.

“Our close working partnership has supported an approach that not only strengthens control room capability but also provides a model for effective cross-service collaboration.

“We are proud to be part of a programme that is helping to shape the future of fire and rescue communications in the UK.”

The ICCA award was won by a project in Mexico, with winners announced on 16 June.