Staff recognised at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service awards evenings

The events, which took place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, recognised colleagues who have reached significant long service milestones, alongside individuals and teams whose work has made a positive difference across the organisation and the communities it serves.

The awards included Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Clasps, Gloucestershire County Council 25-year certificates, Chief Fire Officer awards, the Councillor Appreciation Award, the Making a Difference Award and the Workplace Charter Awards.

The Workplace Charter Awards celebrate colleagues and teams who demonstrate the values and behaviours set out in the GFRS Workplace Charter, helping to create a positive, inclusive and supportive culture across the service.

On Wednesday, awards were presented for 25, 30 and 40 years of service, alongside a Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award, a Chief Fire Officer Recognition Award and Workplace Charter Awards for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Accountability, Empowerment and Putting Communities First.

Thursday’s ceremony included Long Service and Good Conduct Medals for 20 years’ service, the Making a Difference Award, the Councillor Appreciation Award and Workplace Charter Awards recognising Integrity, Leadership, Dignity and Respect, and Excellence.

As part of the celebrations, GFRS was also proud to receive external recognition for its continued commitment to creating a positive workplace culture and supporting its workforce.

Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These awards are an opportunity to recognise the commitment, professionalism and dedication shown by colleagues across Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Whether they are marking decades of service, supporting their colleagues, improving our organisation or helping to keep our communities safe, every recipient has made an important contribution.

“The values recognised through the Workplace Charter Awards are helping to shape the culture we are building together, and I am incredibly proud of all those who have been recognised.”

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for the fire and rescue service, said: “These awards highlight the exceptional people and teams who make Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service such an important part of our county.

“From those reaching long service milestones to colleagues who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and commitment to others, each award reflects the dedication that exists throughout the organisation.

“I would like to congratulate every recipient and thank them for the difference they make to Gloucestershire’s communities every day.”

Those in attendance at the awards evening were the following:

Awards for 23 September

Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 30 years

• Station Manager Mike Ellmore
• Retired Firefighter Chris Hill

Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 40 years

• Retired Watch Manager for On-call, Temporary Crew Manager for Severn Park Team Mark Schofield

Gloucestershire County Council 25-year certificate

• Jo Glanville

Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award

• Louise Read

Chief Fire Officer Recognition Award

• Watch Manager Mike Drew

Workplace Charter Awards

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Carole Pittaway

Accountability

• Crew Manager Sam Kelly

Empowerment

• Learning and Development Team

Putting Communities First

• Community Safety Team

Awards for 24 September

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 20 years

• Crew Manager Tim McVicker
• Station Manager Dave Willis
• Station Manager Katie Jackson-Lockyer

Making a Difference Award

• Equality Impact Assessor Panel

Councillor Appreciation Award

• Communications and Engagement Team

Workplace Charter Awards

Integrity

• Emma Black

Leadership

• Station Manager Lee Taylor

Dignity and Respect

• SkillZONE Team

Excellence

• Winchcombe Community Fire Station