Ceremonies to celebrate the achievements and long service of staff at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) have been held at The Stonehouse Court Hotel.
The two-day event recognised colleagues who exemplify the service’s values through the Workplace Charter Awards, as well as those reaching significant service milestones with Long Service and Good Conduct medals. This year also saw the introduction of the Making a Difference Award, developed in response to an independent review to recognise individuals who show exceptional resilience and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Honouring dedication and inclusion
The inaugural Making a Difference Award was presented by Curtis Biney, nephew of Avanos Biney, who previously raised concerns about institutional racism within GFRS. The award went to Cecilia Mungai, a Business Change Analyst in the Transformation Team, who was praised for her professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to inclusivity. Mungai played a key role in progressing HMICFRS revisits and ensuring every staff voice was heard.
Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece said the awards reflected the hard work and integrity that define the service: “These awards recognise not only long service but the extraordinary contributions of individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their roles. Every medal and commendation reflects countless hours of dedication, teamwork and professionalism. The Workplace Charter Awards and Making a Difference Award highlight the values we strive to live by, and I am proud to see them reflected in the achievements of our staff.”
Distinguished guests and presentations
On Wednesday, medals were presented by The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Julie Kent MBE, joined by CFO Mark Preece, DCFO Nathaniel Hooton, and Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council.
On Thursday, presentations were made by Deputy Lieutenant Mark Hurrell, alongside CFO Preece and DCFO Hooton. Guests included Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for the Fire and Rescue Service, and Jo Walker, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council.
Cllr Hodgkinson praised the recipients:
“These achievements speak volumes about the dedication and professionalism of our staff. From long service milestones to those who have championed inclusion and innovation, each award represents a story of commitment to our fire and rescue service. Gloucestershire is fortunate to have such dedicated professionals.”
Awards Presented – 22 October
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 20 years
- Watch Manager (Control) Rebecca Champ
- Watch Manager Philip Dennis
- Watch Manager Benjamin King
- Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adam Openshaw
- Firefighter Suzanne Quincey
- Station Manager Obioma Selassie
Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 30 years
- Crew Manager Sacha Ward
Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award – Control and Cirencester Crew
Making a Difference Award – Cecilia Mungai
Workplace Charter Awards
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Watch Manager Lionel McCrea
- Accountability – Claire Midwinter
- Empowerment – Watch Manager James Waldron
- Dignity and Respect – Station Manager Hannah Ellis
Awards Presented – 23 October
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 20 years
- Group Manager Thomas Burridge
- Station Manager Leroy Hughes
Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 30 years
- Crew Manager Andrew Harvey
- Retired Watch Manager Roger Pickett BEM
Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp – 40 years
- Firefighter (Control) Jenny Holder
- Watch Manager Paul Powell
Chief Fire Officer Recognition Award – GFRS Logistics and Resources Team and GCC Corporate Fleet Unit
Councillor Appreciation Award – Transformation Team
Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award – Control and Cheltenham Black Watch and On-Call
Workplace Charter Awards
- Putting Communities First – SkillZONE Education Team
- Integrity – Crew Manager Sam Cushing
- Excellence – Adam Waller
- Leadership – Group Manager Tom Burridge
The ceremonies not only celebrated longevity and excellence but also reflected the evolving culture within GFRS — one focused on inclusion, integrity, and community service. As Chief Fire Officer Preece concluded, the achievements of this year’s recipients “demonstrate the best of who we are as a service — dedicated, inclusive, and deeply committed to keeping Gloucestershire safe.”
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Original post on the Gloucestershire News Centre website
Gloucestershire News Centre