Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) celebrated a whole host of outstanding achievements at its annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, 20 May.
The centrepiece of the event involved firefighters being presented with Long Service and Good Conduct Medals by Mr James Puxley, Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. The Lord-Lieutenant also presented Long Service medals to other staff that had completed 20 years of exemplary service.
Further presentations of a number of awards were made by Mrs Victoria Fishburn, Berkshire’s High Sheriff; Councillor Colin Dudley, Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority; and Mr Andy Fry, RBFRS’ Chief Fire Officer. These celebrated the commitment of staff and recognised acts of exceptional courage, including by members of the public in recognition of the part they have played in making Berkshire a safer place.
Colleagues from the other emergency services also attended the event including Superintendent Rob France, Thames Valley Police, and Nic Morecroft and Jack Ansell, South Central Ambulance Service, to celebrate RBFRS’ successes over the past year and recognise the collaborative achievements of the emergency services.
Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Councillor Colin Dudley, said: “It was a great honour to celebrate the long service and good conduct of RBFRS’ personnel at the annual Awards Ceremony.
The event is a special evening which recognised RBFRS’ achievements and I look forward to the next ceremony. “This event provides an opportunity for us to thank people on behalf of residents’ right across Berkshire for the exceptional work that they do. Whether frontline staff out delivering services to the public; members of support departments who enable them to do so; volunteers; colleagues from partner organisations; or members of the public – every day, unbelievable acts of professionalism, bravery and selfless commitment to public service are happening.”
Chief Fire Officer at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Fry said: “I am delighted that we were able to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who work for, and with, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the event. It really was a hugely uplifting evening that I very much enjoyed.”