Over 50 awards were presented, including those for long and outstanding service, as well as acknowledgement for some of the newest recruits.
Amongst them were firefighters from Newmarket and Mildenhall Fire Stations who received the Miles Hammond Trophy for their response to a road traffic collision earlier this year, when they worked tirelessly to prevent a person badly injured and trapped in a vehicle from having their legs amputated.
They weren’t alone in being honoured for their commitment, with Station Manager Darren Cooper and the LEJOG team awarded the Derek Northey Trophy for their Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride earlier this year, which saw them raise over £54,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity whilst raising awareness of mental health support.
Trading Standards also received a Certificate of Merit from the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Jamie Lower Pinkerton, for their response to the significant outbreak of Avian Influenza in Suffolk and ongoing efforts to work with partners to slow the spread of the disease and protect the county’s birds.
In addition, inspiring individuals from across Public Protection were recognised, including Holbrook firefighter Charlotte Bird who was crowned Recruit of the Year and awarded the prestigious Silver Axe for her dedication to completing the ‘Approved to Ride’ training last year despite facing illness.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Neil Elmy, Fleet and Equipment Manager, for his service of over 20 years, during which he has overseen the design, delivery, and procurement of all 150 vehicles within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s modern fleet.
Watch Manager Brian Stringer also received this award in acknowledgement of his 34 years working as a firefighter in west Suffolk, which has sadly been brought to a premature end following a terminal illness diagnosis.
Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, commented on the awards:
