Celebrating success and dedication at the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service Awards

There was lots to be proud of at this year's Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service Awards - from thousands raised for charity, volunteers making a difference in the community, to over 700 years of service acknowledged.

The annual awards recognise the efforts of fire fighters, fire staff, Trading Standards staff, their friends and families and community partners and volunteers in Norfolk.

Scott Norman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our fire service and trading standards community plays a crucial role in keeping Norfolk safe, so it is an honour to be able to recognise the huge achievements from over the last year. My sincere congratulations go to all the winners and nominees." 

Winners of this year's fundraisers award raised a total of £26,900 for the Fire Fighters Charity which offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community.  Fire Fighter, Luke Clements, raised £19,000 at a golf event, attracting over 90 participants from across the UK. Stephen Plunkett contributed £7,900 following a charity football match he organised in memory of Watch Manager Carl Mills.

Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships Councillor Margaret Dewsbury said: "It has been wonderful to hear the incredible stories at the awards this year. It's clear that the fire service community have a huge amount of pride in keeping our county safe. Well done to everyone involved."

Praised for his dedication and hard work, Colin Mockett received the Volunteer of the Year award. Colin delivers vital home safety fire visits, as well as demonstrating great initiative in developing the service's volunteering scheme.   

A total of 29 staff received certificates or medals for 20, 30, 35, and 40-years' service - with 735 years between them.

Bespak, based in King's Lynn, won On-call Employer of the Year for their ongoing commitment to supporting their own employees to be on-call firefighters. Bespak has fostered a flexible and supportive working environment, making a significant impact on their workforce and the safety of the wider community.   

The Partnership award was given to Letton Hall for hosting Crucial Crew events over the years, providing an ideal venue for the Thetford area. Its generous support was acknowledged during the ceremony for hosting these events which help children stay safe and learn valuable life skills.

At total of 20 awards were given in nine categories:

• Cadet of the Year - Ricky Eakers (Diss Cadet Unit)
• On-Call Employer of the Year - Bespak (Kings Lynn)
• Fundraiser of the Year - Luke Clements (Fire Fighter, Sprowston Fire Station) and Stephen Plunkett (member of the public)
• Volunteer of the Year - Colin Mockett (member of the public)
• Making a Difference Award - Gavin Boggis (Control Room Manager), Lewis Freeman (Executive Support), Stephen Maunder (Trading Standards Communities Officer), and Catherine Morris-Gretton (Senior Communications Officer); Partnership Award - Letton Hall
• Inspirational Leader Award - Charlotte Hayter (School Crossing Patrol Manager), Chris Hele (Watch Manager, Cromer), Michelle Lowe (Watch Manager, Stalham and Implementation Watch Manager, Bowthorpe), Terry Pinto (Prevention Lead), and Karen Rowley (Ethics, Culture and Transformation Manager & Head of Communications)
• New Employee of the Year - Jen Anema (Hydrant Maintenance & Planning Support Officer), Harry Weavers (Fire Fighter, Great Yarmouth), and Kelly Wright (People and Wellbeing Project Officer)
• Team Achievement Award - Fleet Admin Support and Norfolk Calibration Service. 

20 Year Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were awarded to:

• Andrew Barron, Bowthorpe Training and Development Centre
• Ricky Braddon, Sprowston Station
• Kris Colston, Sandringham Station
• Ian Duerden, Carrow Station
• Chris Hele, Cromer Station
• Richard Herrmann, Earlham Station
• Craig Keeley, Diss Station
• Paul Leeder, Diss Station
• Justin Lewis, Downham Market Station
• James Rothwell, North Earlham Station
• Melvyn Sayer, Dereham USAR
• Stuart Shinn, King's Lynn Station
• Bradley Wright, Fakenham Station. 

20 Year Long Service Certificates were awarded to:

• Stewart Adams, Trading Standards
• Christine Deakin, Trading Standards
• Frank Johnstone, Bowthorpe Training and Development Centre
• Sarah Palmer, Great Yarmouth. 

A 30 Year Long Service Certificate was awarded to:

• Alice Barnes, Trading Standards. 

A 35 Year Long Service Certificate was awarded to:

• Sophie Leney, Trading Standards
• Shaun Norris, Trading Standards. 

35 Year NFRS Medals were awarded to:

• Angus Bates, Carrow Station
• Alan Jaye, Great Yarmouth Station
• Deborah Whitby, Control. 

Award recipients not in attendance included:

20 Year Certificate:

• Graham Baker
• Frances Cameron
• Duncan Carter
• Steve Curtis
• Stuart Kearns, Trading Standards
• Carol Smith

Long Service & Good Conduct Medals:

• Adrian Bradshaw, Outwell Fire Station
• Alan Churchman, Great Yarmouth Station
• Kevin Flaxman, Carrow Station
• Kathryn Head, Carrow Station
• Daniel Jefferson, Harleston Station
• Neil Richardson
• Adam Watts, Dereham Station
• Mark Webster, Diss Station

30 Year Certificate:

• Lita Copland
• Paula Crowson

35 Year Certificate:

• Dawn Jessett

35 Year Norfolk Fire Service Medal:

• Michael Popay, Wroxham Station

40 Year Certificate:

• Barbara Earley.