ESSEX County Fire and Rescue Service celebrated 18 colleagues at its Long Service and Good Conduct Awards ceremony.
Eighteen fire service colleagues were recognised for their dedicated careers spanning 20, 30 and 40+ years in front of proud loved ones at the Lion House in Boreham.
The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Rick Hylton, alongside Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.
Special guest Julie Fosh, High Sheriff of Essex, joined Rick and Roger to present awards to long-serving colleagues. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Chris Else and Emily Cheyne-Guess, Director of Engagement, Public Affairs and Communications co-hosted the event, with Standard Bearer Len Stevens welcoming attendees.
Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton said: “As your Chief Fire Officer, I want to be among the first to both congratulate you all and thank you. I am proud of you all for what you do and how you do it. In recognising the long service of our colleagues, it is equally an honour to welcome your friends and families here this evening.
“I know from personal experience that family and friends are the hidden support network; the ones who listen, the ones who often have to change commitments at the last minute due to you being called away, or late home from shift; the ones who wake up on Christmas morning or other important events with their loved ones away protecting the communities they serve; the ones for who without your unwavering support and understanding they would not be able to do what they do.
“That dedication has made communities safer, saved lives and acted as role models to new colleagues by displaying what it means to be a member of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.”
As well as presenting Long Service and Good Conduct Awards to firefighters and staff celebrating 20 and 30 years’ Service, a special recognition award was given to Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.
Jane was commended for her 43 years’ service to the public. From her voluntary dedication as a Special Constable to her role as the Deputy PFCC, her career spanning more than four decades was recognised for her commitment to the community.
Each recipient’s story reflects the dedication, teamwork, and resilience that define Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. From life-saving rescues and humanitarian missions to community education and leadership, their contributions have strengthened the Service’s proud legacy of protecting people and places across Essex.
Visit ECFRS’ website to read stories from the night about some of the Service’s long-serving colleagues at essex-fire.gov.uk/news
