Fighting fires, fundraising and cardiac saves celebrated by Hampshire

The life-saving intervention of Watch Manager Stu Godwin to save a grandfather’s life and the commitment of the Portchester Co-response team were just two successes highlighted by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service at their Celebrating Success Awards 2015.

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Mrs Lindsay Fox joined the proceedings to present the Long Service and Good Conduct medals to firefighters who have served 20 years as part of the annual awards ceremony held last week [3 December]

Additional awards included The Chief Officer’s Commendations for two members of Hampshire’s Control Room; Dee Matthews who provided life-saving advice for over 12 minutes to a lady who was disorientated due to a head injury following a burglary in her home, and Julie Walsh who provided life-saving advice to a lady who was bedbound and to other members of the household which resulted in a successful rescue of all three occupants from the property.

Speaking at the event, Chief Officer Dave Curry said: "We have come together this evening to recognise these selfless traits and acts show the best of our fire and rescue service. But tonight is about more than that. The Celebrating Success awards help us to continuously develop and improve the services we provide, and serve as a reminder to us all of what we have done well today, we can do even better tomorrow.

“The level of achievement awarded this evening is testament to the innovation, flexibility and drive of staff in all areas of our Service. We know we continue to face challenges in years ahead, but I have no doubt whatsoever that we will rise to that challenge and continue to make life safer.”

Other results announced on the night included, Unity 101 Community Radio who won the Partnership Award, GRS Signs took the Retained Duty System Employer Award. One of two charity awards went to Watch Manager Craig Sadler from Havant Fire Station for his commitment to raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity and Football for Cancer, to date he’s raised over £50,000.

The Volunteer Award was awarded to Zoe Finlay for her commitment and hard work with Andover Fire Station while the rest of the night's winners were:

Academic and vocational awards:
- Area Manager Stew Adamson, Master of Business Administration
- Samantha Janaway, Certificate in Education
- Station Manager Niel Perry, Batchelor of Engineering
- Group Manager Mick Thompson, Master of Science in Risk Management
- Group Manager Sandy Thomson, Batchelor of Engineering
- Group Manager Dave Turner, Master of Business Administration

Hampshire Sports and Social Association Award:
- Firefighters Andy Mitchell and Alan Smith, Hightown Fire Station

Innovation Award:
- Deborah Beaton

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals:
- Crew Manager Simon Lovelock, Portchester and Southsea Fire Stations
- Group Manager Mick Thompson, Community Response, SHQ
- Group Manager Sandy Thomson, Eastleigh and Test Valley Fire Stations
- Firefighter Stephen Vaughan, Burley Fire Station

25 year certificates:
- Firefighter Mark Allen, Cosham Fire Station
- Watch Manager Martin Earl, Cosham Fire Station
- Watch Manager Kevin Price, Whitchurch Fire Station
- Watch Manager Christopher Roper, Winchester Fire Station
- Jackie Smith, SHQ
- Nicholas Turrill, Retired
- Firefighter (Control) Julie Walsh, SHQ
- Station Manager Phil Yarney, North Hampshire

30 years Meritorious Service:
- Firefighter Geoffrey Baker, Porchester Fire Station
- Ruth Buckley, Retired from SHQ
- Paul Mitchell, Retired from Portchester Fire Station
- Susan Wright, SHQ

35 years Meritorious Service:
- Firefighter Stephen Baker, Havant Fire Station
- Tina Carvley-Barrett, Fleet Management, SHQ
- Watch Manager Gary Elston, SHQ
- Watch Manager Daniele Randall, Yateley Fire Station
- Barry Stevens, SHQ

40 years Meritorious Service:
- Stephen Boxall, Retired from Whitchurch Fire Station
- Christopher Stocks, Fire Safety Support, Fareham
- Colin Partidge, SHQ
- Alan Fryer, Community Safety, Fareham

50 years Meritorious Service:
- Alan Hammond, Fire Safety Support, Fareham
- Malcolm Lucas, Retired, SHQ

Prince's Trust Award:
- Louise Kovacs and the Prince's Trust Team

Fire Fighters Charity Award:
- Portchester Beer Festival Team

See more photos of the evening at www.facebook.com/HampshireFireService