Multiple Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue staff were recognised at the annual awards ceremony in Tidworth for achieving 20, 30 and 40 years of public service.

The event at the Tidworth Garrison Theatre on Thursday, April 18 also included presentations of Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations, recognising meritorious conduct above and beyond the call of duty, along with a number of other awards.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Clasps were presented to staff by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Rose Troughton.

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Other distinguished guests included the High Sheriff of Dorset Anthony Woodhouse, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire Dr Olivia Chapple and members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Details of medal and award recipients can be found here.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “We have a service to be proud of, and the awards ceremony is one way in which we celebrate the dedication of staff from across the organisation. We serve an area encompassing the local authority areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire, and our people deliver outstanding work across our prevention, protection, emergency response and corporate functions.”

He added: “As well as honouring the achievements of our staff, it is always an opportunity to give personal thanks to the families and friends who have supported them and the work of our Service. We also recognise the on-call employers who are so essential to us being able to provide our emergency response. It is often this support that has enabled the quite outstanding achievements to take place.”