shropshirestarShropshire Fire & Rescue Service's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Worrall is celebrating after becoming the first-ever recipient of the new FIRE Magazine and Lion Apparel 'Beyond the Call of Duty Award'.

ACFO Worrall received his award from FIRE editor Andrew Lynch and Lion MD Tim Ottridge at a ceremony held at Shrewsbury Fire Station last week [21 Feb] having been nominated by Shropshire chief, Paul Raymond.

In his nomination form, CFO Raymond wrote: "Steve Worrall has been the inspirational leader on a range of projects providing fire service equipment and training to some of the poorest areas in Europe, whilst offering development opportunities for local fire-fighters, staff and Elected Members.

"From as far back as 2002 Steve began using European grant aid, through the Leornardo Exchange Programme, to part fund ‘learning journeys’ for Shropshire Fire & Rescue Staff. When he saw the poor state of many of the European countries’ rural fire services he decided to act.

"Acquiring fire appliances, fire kit, rescue equipment and smoke alarms he led teams to Poland (on two occasions) Bulgaria and most recently Romania to make a real difference.

"In Poland his teams trained and equipped volunteer fire-fighters who until that time wore overalls and drove pre war Russian fire engines. In Bulgaria they trained rural fire-fighters in modern RTC extrication techniques. In Bulgaria they fitted smoke alarms in every house in remote villages and trained local people, for the first time, to use simple portable pumps to protect their village while waiting the 45 minutes for the local fire service to arrive.

"In addition to fire service work, on each journey Steve encouraged teams to visit and help local charities. They visited children’s homes and old peoples’ care centres and on return raised thousands of pounds to give further help to these good causes.

"Most recently local car washes, cake stalls and raffles raised enough money to give Christmas presents to every old person in a care home in Bulgaria – the first time many had received such presents for more than a decade.

"These journeys have also been experiences of a lifetime for many of our staff forming teams and friendships that make our Service stronger.

"Steve’s charity work truly goes beyond the call of duty."

The ceremony was also covered in the local press, and you can see the full Shropshire Star article at: www.fire-magazine.com/FIRE_in_the_press_32068.aspx

The award is designed to recognise anyone who is an employee of the UK fire service, whether firefighter, control room operator, administrator, or any other role. There is no restriction on who “Beyond the Call of Duty” can apply to. For example it could be for someone who has saved a life or cares for a member of the community, has shown extraordinary courage, works tirelessly for charities, or is always ready to go the extra mile to support a colleague when needed.

To nominate any of your colleagues for this month’s award complete the form at: www.fire-magazine.com/beyond_the_call_of_duty.aspx  

Posted 27/02/2013 by richard.hook@pavpub.com