FIREFIGHTERS in Essex who have served 20 years in the fire service were presented with Long Service and Good Conduct medals at a special ceremony held at Orsett Hall on Wednesday 21 September.

The awards were presented by Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre in front of an invited audience of proud family and friends.

The Fire Brigade’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medals are awarded nationally, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, to all firefighters and Control staff who have completed twenty years of outstanding service to their community.

The ceremony was opened by Acting Chief Fire Officer Adam Eckley who thanked the firefighters for their dedication and commitment to the Service and their local communities.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were awarded to:

Assistant Divisional Officer Ian Adams, Emergency Planning
Firefighter Julie Allen, Harlow
Senior Fire Control Operator Helen Ball, Control
Divisional Officer Danny Bruin, Health and Safety
Staff Officer David Fergusson, Rayleigh Weir Staff Office
Assistant Divisional Officer Mark Huggins, Training
Firefighter Martin Keeling, Tiptree
USAR Technician Alex Larkin, USAR
Crew Manager Warren Manners, Colchester
Divisional Officer Chris Noakes, Special Operations
Sub Officer Malcolm Over, Tiptree
Officer in Charge Philippa Roedel, Control
Firefighter Lee Vandyke, Rayleigh Weir

A Long Service certificate was presented to Kim Rowswell, who works in the Service’s Health and Safety department.

A Chief Fire Officers’ Commendation was also presented to Southend Fire Station’s Green Watch for their heroic actions at a difficult incident in May 2016.