Press Release - Fire service celebrates staff success

Wednesday 22 November 2006 - 09.00hrs

Tomorrow evening, Thursday 23 November, Avon Fire & Rescue Service will hold its Annual Awards Ceremony at the Thistle Hotel, Bristol.

Members of staff from across the service will gather with Avon Fire Authority members, local dignitaries, sponsors, family and friends to celebrate their successes and outstanding contributions to the fire and rescue service.

Hosted by BBC Points West Presenter David Garmston, the awards include the Fleur Lombard Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community Safety, Highest Performing Station, Values Champion, Partner of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Equalities & Diversity, Outstanding Sporting Achievement and Employee of the Year.

The Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mr J Tidmarsh, will also be attending to hand out Long Service and Good Conduct medals on behalf of HRH The Queen. Chief Fire Officer Commendations will also be presented during the event by Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Kevin Pearson.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the kind support of local sponsors, including Keir Weston, Halls Electrical, The Mall Galleries, Imagine IT Support, Fortek Computers, Rhodia UK Ltd, EADS Defence & Security Systems and Bellway Homes.

Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Kevin Pearson said: "Tonight is a special night for many of our staff and their family, and a chance for everyone to celebrate the good work that the staff of Avon Fire & Rescue Service carry out.

"Not only do we recognise our own staff tonight, but that of organisations we work in partnership with. My colleagues from Avon and Somerset Constabulary are nominated for Partner of the Year, for the outstanding contribution to the success of the Arson Task Force and Car Clear, as well as Ashfield Young Offenders Institute for their work with the Youth Development Centre, Life Skills in Bristol for furthering our educational programmes and University of the West of England for the work of our Student Advocates.

"Our staff are wholly dedicated to providing a safer community, from our firefighters and safety teams to our internal design teams, office assistants and youth workers. All have a role to play in saving lives and I am proud to be holding these awards to recognise just some of the hard work AF&RS staff carry out."