A volunteer who has worked four times as many hours than he needs to has been named 'Volunteer of the Year' by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Bob Scott, 68, a former full-time firefighter, joined the fire safety community volunteer scheme in East Herts and Broxbourne two years ago.

Volunteers help raise awareness of fire safety through a range of activities, including attending community events, supporting local fire safety campaigns and encouraging people who are most at risk from a fire at home to book a free fire safety check. They are asked to give eight hours a month. Bob has given 400 hours this year alone.

Hertfordshire's Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher presented Bob with his award at the Volunteer Awards held at County Hall, Hertford, on Tuesday 29th November. He said: "I was delighted to present Bob with the 'Volunteer of the Year' award. He has dedicated so much time to improve the lives of others and is thoroughly deserving of the award."

Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "I would like to thank Bob for going far beyond what we ask of our volunteers. I know that after countless community events he has left residents feeling more secure and empowered to think about their own home fire safety, their escape plans and regular testing of their home smoke alarms."

It was a double win for Bob, who won a second accolade on the night when the East Herts and Broxbourne team of volunteers were named 'Volunteer team of the Year'.

Bob said "I'm very pleased to win these awards. It's nice to win one individually, but really it's all about the team. I'm fortunate in that I am retired and can put in a lot of hours, but there are volunteers all across the county working hard to help their communities and for me that's what these awards are all about."

Richard added: "The East Herts and Broxbourne fire safety community volunteer team were one of the first to be launched in Hertfordshire. They have dedicated a great deal of time to make our communities safer and I thank them all for their commitment."

The fire safety community volunteer scheme was launched in January 2008 and now has around 100 volunteers across the county, each contributing a few hours a month.

For more information visit: www.hertsdirect.org/fire 

 

Photo: The East Herts and Broxbourne Volunteer Team with CFO Roy Wilsher

 

Posted December 2nd, 2011 at 1605by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com