Heroic firefighters are honoured for their service to Oxfordshire’s communities
Fifteen firefighters who have served Oxfordshire residents for a combined total of 300 years have been presented with His Majesty The King’s long service and good conduct medals in a special ceremony.
Oxfordshire’s Vice-Lord Lieutenant, Brian Buchan, attended the prestigious event at Blenheim Palace, on Tuesday 30 April, to present, by royal warrant, the long service medals, each of the firefighters having completed 20 years’ service.
Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety, said: “Our annual awards ceremony reflects both the fire and rescue service and Oxfordshire communities’ appreciation and gratitude to frontline officers, as well as to support teams, fire cadets and volunteers for their devotion to duty over many years.
“This year is the 50th anniversary of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service. A proud moment for every one of us.”
During the evening, Rob MacDougall presented a 40 year certificate to on-call firefighter Ivor Matthews from Hook Norton Fire Station. On-call firefighters normally have fulltime jobs outside the service, with flexibility to drop everything at a moment’s notice when they get an emergency call.
Ivor said: “I joined Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service in November 1983 working as a firefighter at Hook Norton Fire Station. I became a supervisory manager by 1990.
“I am proud of the role that I do and I’m grateful to my family for their support throughout my 40 year career.”
Rob MacDougall added: “Ivor’s dedication has been unwavering over four decades. Being an on-call firefighter is personally rewarding but needs a real commitment. Ivor is an inspiration to everyone in our service. His dedication shines through; an inspiring role model.”
Emily Spencer, Blenheim Palace’s Head of Operations, said: “Blenheim Palace is humbled and delighted to host Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’ awards ceremony in our historic Orangery, recognising the many heroic achievements and dedication to duty of Oxfordshire’s fire and rescue teams in the service’s golden jubilee year.”
Notes
Photos
(1) Hook Norton firefighter Ivor Matthews (image above) being presented with his award by Major (Retd) James Sibbald DL, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.
(2) Goring firefighter Sean Absolom (image below) being presented with his award by Major (Retd) James Sibbald DL, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.
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