Mara Schapiro reports as Lincolnshire FRS celebrates staff contributions with Community Awards:  

Outstanding employees were recognised at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's fourth annual Community Awards ceremony last month.

Held at Branston Hall, the event was compéred by BBC radio's local presenter Melvyn Prior, who called Service staff 'special people doing special jobs' and 'unsung heroes.'  

Among those recognised on the night was 18-year-old Jack Walker, who was presented with the 'Young Person's Achievement' award.  

Jack joined Lincolnshire's Young Firefighters before completing the Prince's Trust team programme and sitting on the Youth Forum.  

During that time, he helped a motorist who faced a dangerous car fire and a fellow Young Firefighter who suffered an epileptic fit.  Jack has since started volunteering with Fire Brigade Preservation Services (FBPS). 

Youth Engagement Manager Andy Payne presented the award, adding: "Jack has worked tirelessly - he goes about his business in a simple and uncomplicated way, but along the journey he has helped so many others." 

Programme and Partnerships Manager Chris Rushton was also praised and named 'Employee of the Year.' 

DCFO Nick Borrill presented her with the award and added: "This award goes to someone who epitomises what the award is all about - she is always positive, happy and willing to help. 

"She has been instrumental in developing our partnerships and organising the upcoming UKRO competition, but she also volunteers and fundraises for the Fire Fighters Charity." 

The award for 'Beacon Station of the Year' went to Boston fire station. The station was chosen on the basis of assessments in three areas - operational preparedness, organisational preparedness and operational performance - which also consider their work as a team and with partner agencies.  

Wragby station was also recognised when it won the 'Team Working' award.  The station has maintained 99.23% availability with only eight firefighters.  

Chief's Commendations were also awarded to Firefighters Sean Taylor and Stuart Hatton for rescuing an unconscious casualty from a house fire, carrying him down two flights of stairs and into the open air so he could receive medical attention. CM Rob Castle and Firefighter Caroline Hauton also received Chief's Commendations for reviving an elderly man following an RTC; when his breathing and pulse stopped, they performed CPR until the arrival of an ambulance, saving the man's life.  

The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue football team were also honoured when they were presented with the Midlands Regional Cup, which they won against West Mids in May. It was the first time the team had competed in the championship in over 20 years.  

Chief Fire Officer Dave Ramscar closed by thanking the award winners as well as those who had nominated them and said: "Someone else tonight said they feel they have the best job in the world, and I feel the same because I work with some amazing people."  

The winners are:    

  • Most Effective Community Safety Initiative: 2Fast2Soon, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) 
  • Partnership Working: Stay Safe team 
  • Fundraising: Skegness fire station  
  • Most Effective Contribution to Young People: Young Passenger Awareness initiative, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP)  
  • Most Improved Station: Bardney fire station 
  • RDS Employer of the Year: Woodcocks Butchers (Mablethorpe)  
  • Young Person's Achievement: Jack Walker 
  • Beacon Station: Boston fire station 
  • Team Working: Wragby fire station 
  • Employee of the Year: Chris Rushton 
  • Special mention: LFR football team 
  • Chief's Commendation: Firefighters Stuart Hatton and Sean Taylor
  • Chief's Commendation: CM Rob Castle and Firefighter Caroline Hauton