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 Fire-fighters, backroom staff and members of the public have been recognised for their commitment to public safety at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s third annual awards ceremony.
Funded by Nuclear Management Partners, which manages Sellafield Sites Ltd, the Together Towards Success Awards paid tribute to people who have gone the extra mile to help keep Cumbrians safe.
The winners were announced at a ceremony at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel.
Gary Strong, cabinet member responsible for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “These awards recognise everyone across the service who make Cumbria a safer place.”
Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison, said: "This was a great opportunity to salute the outstanding contributions which personnel and members of the public have made to the work of the Fire and Rescue Service.
"I'm proud of everyone in our service and I hope these awards inspire more people in the coming 12 months.”
Dozens of nominations were received for the twelve Together Towards Success Award categories and the winners were:
Award for Community Leadership
Adrian Buckle, for his outstanding leadership of the Kendal Locality as locality manager, which was unparalleled in his direction of the service to the community in prevention, protection and intervention but also in his leadership of the locality and ensuring all employees felt that they are valued and that they have a contribution to make.
Award for Pillar of the Community
Stuart Harper, a retained fire fighter from Lazonby, for his commitment to his community, which is reflected by his work as a youth engagement fire fighter interacting with young people on fire service experience days.
Award for Backroom Brilliance
The Occupational Health department, for their hard work to create a positive culture within the service and secure the health, safety and welfare of all personnel, and for their exemplary working relationships across the service.
Award for Volunteer of the Year
Ajas Hussain, for his support to the service through his volunteering and his contribution to making Cumbria a safer place through community safety activities. As well as assisting with various community safety events, Ajas encourages new and other existing volunteers and coaches those with less experience than himself and he is very much a role model for any aspiring volunteer to look up to.
Award for Service with a Smile
Roger Exley, for his positive attitude, his willingness to lend a hand and for always being the first to help a colleague in need. Nothing is too much trouble for Roger and he is a major asset to the Barrow Locality and the service.
The Green Award
Duncan Taylor, from Kendal Locality, for his instrumental involvement in setting up the Cumbria Wildland Fire Group, a self sustaining group consisting formed to raise awareness and develop protocols for dealing with wildland fires. The reduction in the occurrence and severity of wildland fires has a positive effect on the natural environment, wildlife and reduces carbon emissions.
Award for an Effective/ Imaginative Partnership
Gary Wilson, from Kendal Locality, for his partnership work with the Patient Transfer Service. It was Gary’s idea to work with the staff at the Patient Transfer Service to obtain referrals for Home Fire Safety Visits for the patients they were transporting. Due to the initial success the scheme is now running in Lancashire as well as across Cumbria. Gary has since approached other organisations working with vulnerable people, and similar referral schemes are being set up.
Award for Best Innovative Idea
Anthony Rooney, for Operation Roman Candle, an initiative that could be adapted by the Fire and Rescue Service, Police, Ambulance Service and City Council in Carlisle, to reduce the number of anti-social behaviour fires around the time of Halloween, bonfire night and the school half term break in October. The hard work and careful planning meant that there was a reduction of 56% in anti-social behaviour fires in the area compared to the same time the previous year.
 The Colleagues Award
Bob Nixon, for his tremendous commitment, enthusiasm and drive in every role that he has held during his time with the service. Bob, from Carlisle, started his career in the service as a mechanic in 1981 before becoming a firefighter and has since risen through the ranks to become Head of Operational Support.
Award for Operational Excellence
Keswick Emergency Services, for their professional and seamless work throughout a casualty rescue in Borrowdale in January. The rescue involved exceptionally physically and mentally demanding work and the teamwork and cooperation from all involved was outstanding.
Award for Lifelong Learning
David Robinson, for voluntarily undertaking the role as a Service Lifelong Learning Coordinator for the Fire Brigades Union. He also participates in Cumbria County Council’s Skills Pledge Steering Group and has provided learning and development opportunities through a number of courses including numeracy and IT. David provides learning opportunities for all and promotes continuous improvement, equality and development within the service.
Award for Equality and Diversity
Ian Ridley, for his enthusiasm, boundless energy, and commitment to the young people he is responsible for in his role as Youth Engagement Officer. At a recent Young Firefighter passing out parade a participant from the first Young Firefighters course run by the service eight years ago gave an account of his time on the course and explained how he had developed as an individual since then; attributing this to Ian’s faith in him and his continuous encouragement.
In the main picture above Councillor Gary Strong and Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison are shown with the Occupational Health team from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service while the other picture shows, left to right Gary Strong. Bob Nixon, and Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison.
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