Heroic firefighters recognised for their service to Oxfordshire’s communities

Firefighters and their colleagues from across Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, representing a combined total of 410 years of service, have been recognised at a special awards ceremony at Blenheim Palace.

Eleven firefighters who have served Oxfordshire residents for a combined total of 220 years were presented with His Majesty The King's long service and good conduct medals.

In addition, five firefighters with a combined total of 150 years' service received commemorative clasps and certificates.

Two fire and rescue support staff were honoured for 20 years of service, emphasising their vital role working alongside operational teams.

Pictured (below) is Adam Cook (left), based at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service's headquarters in Kidlington, receiving a 20 Year Long Service Medal from Marjorie Glasgow BEM, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, on Wednesday 11 March.

The evening celebrated excellence across the service, with awards presented to individuals, teams and fire stations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their communities, lived the service's values and made a positive difference through their work.

These included awards for fire station of the year, on-call fire station of the year, fire and community safety team of the year, volunteer of the year, fundraiser of the year, employee of the year, and for firefighter cadets.

The fundraiser of the year award went to Oxford's Slade Fire Station; they have raised £4,200 for the Fire Fighters Charity, Helen and Douglas House, and Oxford Children's Hospital. Pictured (above) alongside Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer (left), are Paul Thrower, Sian Jones, Maria De Abreu Garces and Anna Cole.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety, said: "Our annual awards ceremony is about recognising the courage and commitment that colleagues across our service show every day.

"These awards reflect decades of service to Oxfordshire's communities and the strength of a team that continues to support one another and deliver with professionalism and care.

"I am incredibly proud of all my colleagues this evening and grateful for the contribution they make to our organisation and to the people of Oxfordshire."

Emily Spencer, Blenheim Palace's Head of Operations, said: "It is truly special for us to welcome back and honour the incredible individuals receiving recognition for their long service and bravery.

"We celebrate many wonderful occasions in our Orangery, but this one is a highlight of our year.

"For Blenheim Palace to play even a small part in hosting and thanking Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service for all their important work is a real privilege"

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