INSPIRATIONAL talks, tackling fires, and providing advice to keep everyone safe in their homes, have all prompted people to nominate a life-saving service for national recognition.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has received a raft of awards in the latest WOW! Awards, a national scheme to recognise excellence in service, and all through nominations from the public.
Chief fire officer Gary Phillips said: “I’m delighted to see the service receiving these awards, and all from unsolicited comments.
“This is how people truly see Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and is a reflection of how we engage with our communities and reach the people we need to reach.
“I’m immensely proud of everyone who has received the awards, and is an excellent opportunity to highlight our standing as role models in society.” Firefighter Sam O’Brien won an individual award for a recent talk to a Rainbows group.
The nomination to the WOW! Awards said: “I just wanted to say how much the girls in my Rainbows Group loved Sam last night. I have been informed by the parents that last night all the girls went home and went fire crazy, testing fire alarms and making escape plans. It was an excellent presentation and I am sure that you will have a few extra female applicants in 12 years. Thanks again and please pass on my thanks to Sam.”
Derek Williams, the chief executive of the WOW! Awards, travelled to the county to meet with some of the award winners and hand over the certificates.
He said: “I’ve found it fascinating at how surprised the staff at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have been at getting the awards, with many saying ‘we are just doing our job’.
“They might be doing their job, but the way in which they are doing it is certainly going above a beyond the call of duty and making a huge impression on many people’s lives.”
Also honoured was Jon Dixon, a station commander at Leamington. There was also special praise for the service’s Community Fire Safety team and in particular Fenny Compton’s Tony Thompson, Paul Whinmill and David Watton.
Alpha Watch at Coleshill Fire Station was also in line for commendation.
