A quick thinking teenager has joined firefighters, staff and volunteers in being honoured at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony.
More than 40 awards were handed out at the gala evening held at Ipswich East Fire Station on Wednesday, September 18.
Among the recipients was Ken Ashby, the service's on-call firefighter liaison officer, who received the Paul Proctor Award for his outstanding 42-year service, which has seen him raise more than £250,000 for the Firefighter's Charity. Fellow Newmarket firefighter Michael Edmondson Bloom also took home an award, being presented with the prestigious Silver Axe - given to the best performing recruit undertaking the "Approved to Ride" course.
Stowmarket Fire Station took home the Alan Soards Award for the best station in the county.
But it wasn't only firefighters that took home commendations, with 15-year-old Harry Hall being presented with a special certificate of merit for his role in rushing to the aid of a friend.
His friend had lost control of his bike and fallen over the sea wall at Lowestoft, prompting Harry to jump down and keep his friend's head above rising sea water until the emergency services arrived.
Mark Hardingham, chief fire officer of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The awards not only recognise our Service's firefighters and fire stations for their commitment, but also our volunteers and non-operational staff. This is a fire service I'm incredibly proud of, it is truly one team with everyone playing an important role.
"I'm especially delighted to see Harry receive his award for helping his friend in very difficult circumstances. The emergency services who were first on scene were extremely concerned for his friend's safety. The firefighters who attended from our Lowestoft stations were very impressed with Harry's quick thinking and bravery."
Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for environment and public protection, added: "Events such as this are a humbling experience, reminding us all of the selflessness and professionalism of Suffolk's firefighters and staff.
"This commitment extends to the way they engage with their local communities, such as attending events, fundraising and delivering prevention messages."
Full list of 2019 winners
Long Service Certificates - Presented by James Finch
John Chaplin (20 years Trading Standards)
Clair Missen (20 years Trading Standards)
Tony Doorly (20 years Trading Standards)
Clare Davies (20 years Trading Standards)
Paul Spearman (30 years on-call firefighter)
Long Service & Good Conduct Medals - Presented by Lady Euston
Chris Willis
Timothy Bray
Christopher Clarke
Steve Collins
Anthony Faulkner
Matthew Kerry
Richard Supple
David Campbell
Steve Morgan
Michael Brabner
Stephen Cuffe
Robert Whitton
Raymond Hill
John Frost
Roy Murdoch
Andrew Hall
Michael Lowther
Cabinet Member Award for Team Achievement - Presented by Richard Rout
Fire Supplies and Technical Services (FSATS)
Cabinet Member Award for Volunteers of the Year - Presented by Richard Rout
Roger Parker
Excellence in Community Safety Award - Presented by Cllr Richard Rout
Jason Wilkins, Ipswich East Fire Station
Alan Soards Award for Best Fire Station - Presented by CFO Mark Hardingham
Stowmarket Fire Station
Miles Hammond Trophy - Presented by CFO Mark Hardingham
Elmswell on-call firefighters - Steve Reid and Mark Proctor
Derek Northey Trophy - Presented by CFO Mark Hardingham
Newmarket Fire Station
Paul Proctor Award - Presented by CFO Mark Hardingham
Ken Ashby, Newmarket Fire Station
Recruit of the Year (Silver Axe) - Presented by CFO Mark Hardingham
Firefighter Michael Edmondson-Bloom - Newmarket Fire Station
Certificate of most improved on-call availability - Presented by CFO Mark Hardingham
Mildenhall Fire Station
Certificates of Merit - Presented by High Sheriff of Suffolk - Roz Eminson
Firefighter David Mackie - Bury Fire Station
Denise Whiting - Response Manager, Prevention
Emergency Services Cadet Leaders
Harry Hall, Member of the public
Mark Chambers - Driving School Manager
Mrs Penny Bayman - Local employer
Stephen Dickens - Local employer
Crew Commander Warren Rodwell - Clare Fire Station
Trading Standards - Mary Strang, Clare Fisher and Lee Nunn
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