Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) celebrated a whole host of outstanding achievements at its annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, 29 November 2024.
This event, which took place at Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, provided an opportunity to give thanks and recognition, on behalf of our Berkshire residents, for the exceptional work of staff, volunteers and partners.
There were 11 categories in which Awards were presented, and in addition staff who have served 20 years’ or 30 years’ service received their Long Service Award or Long Service and Good Conduct medal from the Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try.
Operational members of staff who have served 20 years’ service were awarded a Long Service Good Conduct Medal, and those who have served 30 years’ service were awarded a clasp to fit onto the ribbon of their existing 20-year medal.
To recognise Long Service of our professional services members of staff, who have rendered long and meritorious service for twenty or thirty years as full time, part time or volunteer members of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a commemorative coin was presented.
Some highlights of the evening’s awards included:
- The Water Rescue Project received the award for Project of the Year. This was an important piece of work, a Community Risk Management Plan 2023-27 priority, and involved a significant revision of current water rescue provision, resulting in the addition of the necessary training and equipment at Slough Fire Station.
- Certificates of commendation were awarded to a crane driver and two colleagues who performed a challenging and skilful rescue during a fire in Station Hill, Reading.
- Mariana Skoknova received the Excellence in Public Service Award for her outstanding and unwavering professionalism and commitment to her duties as a Customer Services Assistant.
- Newbury Red Watch received the Watch of the Year Award for showing continuous improvement and development whilst building a strong and diverse team and ultimately reducing risk in their local area.
- Fayth Rowe received the Culture and Inclusion Award for her unwavering commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within the Service and our communities, particularly through her dedication to enhancing the career prospects of young people and under-represented groups.
Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Councillor Jeff Brooks, who presented awards for Community Safety, Innovation of the Year, Project of the Year and Certificates of Merit said: “It was a very special evening which enabled us to recognise RBFRS’ achievements and people.
“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 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.”
“I also wanted to say a special thank you to the families and friends of the nominees and Long Service recipients. The invaluable support that the members of the extended RBFRS family provides will have been essential in enabling them to achieve the things that they have.”
Chief Fire Officer at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Wayne Bowcock, who presented awards for Watch of the Year, Fundraiser of the Year, Culture and Inclusion Award, Team of the Year and Certificates of Commendation, said: “I am delighted that we were able to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of all those who work for, and with, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the event. It really was a hugely uplifting evening that exemplified the fantastic public services provided by RBFRS and how we put communities at the heart of all we do. Hopefully, all staff know, all year around, how proud I am of their dedication and service, but this event is incredibly important to recognise and celebrate this clearly.”
“And I would like to thank our event sponsors – BT, Integrate, Multitone and Lighthouse Events – the support is really appreciated, enabling us to run events like this to recognise our teams.”
To find out more about our Awards Ceremony and how to get involved in future, please visit our Awards Ceremony page.