Staff recognised for achievements at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service awards evenings

The events, held on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October, included the inaugural Making a Difference award and the Workplace Charter Awards, which celebrate and reward colleagues who live, breathe and embody the values and behaviours set out in the workplace charter.

The GFRS Awards Ceremony included the presentation of Long Service Good Conduct awards to members of staff completing 20, 30 and 40 years of service. Outstanding organisation achievements awards were also handed to individuals or teams, aligned to the Workplace Charter.

The Making a Difference award recognises exceptional colleagues or teams who have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenge. It was developed in response to the independent review, which highlighted the importance of recognising those who speak up and champion equity and inclusion across the service.

Curtis Biney presented the Making a Difference award. Curtis is the nephew of Avanos Biney, who raised concerns about institutional racism at the service during his time working for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

This award was presented to Cecilia Mungai, who has been part of GFRS for nearly three years, working in the Transformation Team as a Business Change Analyst. She was honoured for demonstrating exceptional professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm. She was instrumental in progressing HMICFRS revisits and delivering GFRS update sessions, ensuring every voice was heard and showing dedication to inclusivity and support for staff networks.

On Wednesday’s event the medals were presented by The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Julie Kent MBE, with Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nathaniel Hooton. The ceremony was also attended by Gloucestershire County Council leader Cllr Lisa Spivey.

On Thursday, Deputy Lieutenant Mark Hurrell presented the medals, with CFO Mark Preece and DCFO Nathaniel Hooton. Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for the fire and rescue service, and Jo Walker, chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council, were also in attendance.

Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These awards recognise not only long service but the extraordinary contributions of individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their roles. Every medal and commendation reflects countless hours of dedication, teamwork and professionalism. The Workplace Charter Awards and Making a Difference Award highlight the values we strive to live by, and I am proud to see them reflected in the achievements of our staff. I am immensely proud of their achievements and grateful for their unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe."

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for the fire and rescue service, said: “These achievements speak volumes about the dedication and professionalism of our staff. From long service milestones to those who have championed inclusion and innovation, each award represents a story of commitment to our fire and rescue service. Gloucestershire is fortunate to have such dedicated professionals, and I want to thank every recipient for making a real difference to the lives of people across our county."

Awards for 22 October:

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - 20 yrs

Watch Manger Control, Rebecca Champ

Watch Manager Philip Dennis

Watch Manager Benjamin King

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adam Openshaw

Firefighter Suzanne Quincey

Station Manager Obioma Selassie 

Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp - 30 yrs

Crew Manager Sacha Ward 

Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award – Control and Cirencester Crew

Making A Difference Award – Cecilia Mungai 

Workplace Charter Awards

Equality Diversity and Inclusion – Watch Manager Lionel McCrea

Accountability – Claire Midwinter

Empowerment – Watch Manager James Waldron

Dignity and Respect – Station Manager Hannah Ellis 

Awards for 23 October:

Group Manager Thomas Burridge – Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - 20 yrs

Station Manager Leroy Hughes – Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - 20 yrs

Crew Manager Andrew Harvey – Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp - 30 yrs

Retired Watch Manager Roger Pickett BEM Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 30 yrs

Firefighter Control Jenny Holder - Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 40 yrs

Watch Manager Paul Powell – Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp - 40 yrs

Chief Fire Officer Recognition Award - GFRS Logistics and Resources Team and GCC Corporate Fleet Unit

Councillor Appreciation Award – Transformation Team

Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award - Control and Cheltenham Black Watch and On-Call

Workplace Charter Awards

Putting Communities First – SkillZONE Education Team

Integrity – Crew Manager Sam Cushing

Excellence – Adam Waller

Leadership – Group Manager Tom Burridge