Staff successes at NFRS awards

The dedicated long service and recent achievements of fire and rescue staff working across Norfolk have been recognised at an awards ceremony in Norwich Castle. 

Frontline firefighters, professional services staff and Trading Standards colleagues came together with invited guests for the annual Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service awards held on Friday evening (10 October). 

Among those receiving accolades were Senior Fire Safety Inspector Sonny Garrett BEM, who clocked up an impressive 54 years of service before retiring earlier this year. 

Stalham stalwart Geoff Lowe was also recognised for completing half a century of service, offering an exceptional level of on-call firefighter availability to respond to emergencies in the town and beyond during that time. 

Prestigious awards for specialist categories were also handed out to staff and supporters of fire and rescue/ trading standards, as voted by their peers. These were presented by Chief Fire Officer Ceri Sumner, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Anthony White. 

Long service and good conduct medals were issued to firefighters for 20, 30, 35 and 40 years of service, with long service certificates given to support staff and Trading Standards officers. 

The evening was hosted by Group Managers Peter Rowe and Jennie Schamp, with a welcome from chief fire officer Ceri Sumner. 

Long service awards and certificates were presented by guests of honour including Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, NCC Leader Councillor Kay Mason Billig, NCC Chairman Councillor Tom Fitzpatrick and Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk Michael Harrowven, who presented medals on behalf of His Majesty the King.  

Speaking at the awards ceremony CFO Ceri Sumner said: 

"This evening is a celebration of the very best that our service delivers across Norfolk and the dedication you put in every day. I am proud not only to lead this service but to work with you all, the people who inspire me. The people who, when I think you have given all you have to give, you turn around and give 100% more." 

She also thanked the families of those in the fire service, for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.  

Park Dean Resort at Heacham won on-call employer of the year, seeing off strong competition from employers across Norfolk who allow their staff to also work for NFRS as on-call firefighters, releasing them from duties so they can respond to emergencies. 

Wroxham's Philip Bland was presented with on-call firefighter of the year award. He has chalked up more than 35 years of service, providing near constant availability to the community. He's always responded by push bike- in all weathers. He continues to show as much passion for the job and his community as he did when he joined. 

Behind the scenes, Lorraine Hyde received three nominations for the Innovation Award. Working as part of the assurance and health and safety team, she has brought in new reporting systems to improve how we manage risk and safeguard firefighters and the public. 

Group Manager Matthew Postle was recognised as an Inspirational Leader for his ability to bring clarity and structure to complex governance work, strengthening how we learn from emergency incidents and maintaining a level of calm under pressure that really helps those around him. Matthew leads with integrity and impact, whether that's on the frontline as a Group Manager in emergencies, or in the office providing a clear steer on difficult projects. 

Lead Trading Standards Officer Alan Ogg received the Mentor of the Year award for leading 18 new Trading Standards apprentices, providing them with constant support and helping them overcome any issues to ensure their continued success. His strong listening skills, clear information and thoughtful planning have ensured that our new cohort continues to thrive and feel supported in the early stages of their careers. 

Following a successful hike across Norfolk with a fire hydrant, the NFRS water team were worthy winners of the Fundraiser of the Year award. Their 24-hour walk of 50 miles raised more than £4,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity, and highlighted what a strong and supportive team they are. Often behind the scenes working on ensuring hydrants are working and available to our frontline staff, it was pleasing to be able to shine a spotlight on them at our awards. 

Cadet of the year went to Norwich's Joel Tizzard Taylor. Since joining the Diss cadet unit two years ago, Joel has shown a great attitude to learning and now takes newer cadets under his wing, helping them to learn and understand the kit and equipment used by firefighters. 

The evening was sponsored by Delta Fire and Tele-Tronics.   

Full award recipients for length of service were: 

• 20 Year Long Service & Good Conduct Medals (For firefighters) 
  • Leesa Espley
  • Antony Gammon
  • Steven Gibbs
  • Rebecca Grigglestone
  • James Harper
  • James Knowles
  • Matthew Postle 
• 20 Year - Long Service Certificate 
  • Ian Hunt 
• 30 Year Long Service Clasp (For firefighters) 
  • Mark Edge
  • Darren Leach
  • Roger Mitchell
  • Peter Rowe 
• 35 Year Long Service Award (For firefighters) 
  • Stephen Bartram
  • Stephen Bond
  • Philip Neeve
  • Glen Roskilly
  • Philip Bland 
• 35 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Andrew Potts 
• 40 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Adrian Chapman 
• 50 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Geoffrey Lowe 
  • Sonny Garrett (54 years) 

Award recipients for nominated categories were: 

• Volunteer of the Year - Brian Chatten 
• NFRS Partnership Award - Emollient Fire Risk Reduction 
• Team Achievement Award - Central Operational Support Team 
• Fundraiser of the Year - The Water Team 
• On-Call Employer of the Year - Park Dean-Heacham 
• Wellbeing Star Award - Frances Collins 
• Rising Star Award - Sam Wilson 
• On Call, Firefighter of the Year - Philip Bland 
• Inspirational Leader Award - Matthew Postle 
• Firefighter of the Year - James Hawkins 
• Innovation Award - Lorraine Hyde 
• Mentor of the Year - Alan Ogg 
• Outstanding Contribution - Robert Curtis 
• Cadet of the Year - Joel Tizzard Taylor 

Further award recipients who were not in attendance at the event are: 

• 20 Year Long Service & Good Conduct Medals (For firefighters) 
  • Dean Bracey
  • Stephen Cooper
  • Matthew Edgar 
• 20 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Daphne Bye
  • Conrad Meehan
  • Paula Meiszner
  • Joan Miller
  • Elaine Middleton 
• 30 Year Long Service Clasp (For firefighters) 
  • Melvin Aldous
  • Paul Cosgrove 
• 30 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Adrian Bradshaw
  • Annabelle Gidney 
• 35 Year Long Service Award (For firefighters) 
  • Barry Clarke 
• 35 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Brenda Shipley 
• 40 Year Long Service Certificate 
  • Joanne Barker 
• 40 Year Long Service Clasp (For firefighters) 
  • Stephen Booth