Firefighters and staff recognised for over 200 years of service at award ceremony

Individuals with a combined length of service of more than 200 years have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

A total of nine firefighters and staff were recognised for their commitment to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at the Long Service Awards last month.

Each year, the awards are presented by Lord Lieutenant Sir Ian Dudson CBA. In recognition of this, he was presented with a special statuette by Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber.  

Five people were awarded a medal for 20 years’ service, whilst a further four people received a special clasp which marks 30 years’ service.Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, said: “I am thrilled to present these awards in recognition of each recipient’s commitment, loyalty and dedication to our service.

“Our people are at the very heart of our organisation and it is important to recognise them for all they do.

“It was also my honour to present Sir Ian Dudson with the statuette; this was his last year presenting the awards and we really appreciate his attendance over the years.”

Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner, said: “This occasion gives me great pleasure in celebrating loyal service to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It is an opportunity to thank you for your dedication and commitment to the service and the protection of the communities of Staffordshire. Recipients of these awards should be justifiably proud of this achievement.”

To find out more about joining Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the roles available, including on-call firefighter roles which we are recruiting for, visit: Careers | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

This year’s recipients were:

• Newcastle Firefighter – Ian Cooper – 20 years
• Cannock Watch Manager – Martin Evans – 30 years
• Abbots Bromley Crew Manager – Gary Fox – 30 years
• Cannock Watch Manager – Darren Golder – 30 years
• Longton Crew Manager – Jason Heath – 20 years
• Learning and Development Watch Manager – Daniel Hooker – 30 years
• Stafford Firefighter – Robin Smith – 20 years
• Cannock Crew Manager – Jaswender Sokhal – 20 years
• Abbots Bromley Watch Manager – Sara Wilkinson – 20 years