West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has recognised their staff for acts of bravery, a life-saving house fire response and decades of service at its annual awards ceremony.
The Recognition and Achievement Awards were held at Arundel Castle on Wednesday evening. The guests included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, the High Sheriff of West Sussex and West Sussex County Council’s chief executive.
Bravery on the A27
The Bravery Award went to Roy Barraclough, who was travelling home from work when he came across a serious incident on the A27.
Reports had come in of a man in crisis on a footbridge, and Roy stopped to help and worked with a Sussex Police officer to reassure him.
The service said his calm and compassionate approach with colleagues from the other emergency services, helped make sure the man received urgent medical care and support.
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Team of the Year
Worthing White Watch and the on-call crew won Team of the Year for their response to a serious house fire on New Year’s Day.
Crews rescued several people from the property and gave emergency first aid before bringing the fire under control. The service said their actions stopped it spreading to neighbouring homes and helped save a life.
Career and Lifetime Achievement
Sean Embleton received the Career and Lifetime Achievement Award.
He joined as an on-call firefighter at Bognor Regis in 1999 and moved to a wholetime role in 2005. He retired this summer after working as a training instructor, a role in which he mentored both full-time and on-call firefighters.
Decades of service
Twenty-three staff received long service medals and badges, covering 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of service.
Seventeen colleagues marked 20 years, four marked 30 years and one marked 40 years. Carol Hart received an award for 50 years’ service.
Other commendations covered the Shining Star awards, community and partnership work, charity fundraising, volunteering and exceptional service. In all, ten commendation awards were presented.
‘Extraordinary people’
Councillor Tracie Bangert, the county council’s cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue, said: “the professionalism, care and commitment that our communities rely on every day.”
Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball said the awards recognised work from emergency response to training the next generation, as well as behind the scenes roles. He said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of those honoured.
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