West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service celebrates excellence and bravery at annual awards ceremony

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has paid tribute to the outstanding courage, commitment, and dedication of its staff at this year’s Recognition and Achievement Awards Ceremony, held at Arundel Castle.

The annual event celebrates firefighters and staff from across the county who have gone above and beyond in their service to the community. It also recognises those who have reached major milestones, marking 20, 30 and 40 years of service.

Among the dignitaries attending were the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, and Councillor Duncan Crow, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue.

One of the night’s most notable honourees was Suzanne Goff, who received the Career and Lifetime Achievement Award for 25 years of dedicated service. She was praised for her leadership, advocacy for female health, and her efforts to champion mental health and wellbeing within the service. Her work in operational learning—particularly following the Angel Inn Hotel fire—has helped shape best practice across the fire sector.

Lyndon Osgood was presented with the Exceptional Service Award for his innovation as a Service Van Engineer. His creative approach to maintaining and upgrading fire appliances has saved the service tens of thousands of pounds and set an inspiring example to his colleagues.

The Team of the Year Award went to the Targeted Education Team, recognised for their inclusive approach to the Fire Cadets programme. The team was commended for their extraordinary support for a neurodiverse young person, whose full participation in the programme made a life-changing difference for them and their family.

The Bravery Award was presented to Green Watch Chichester, led by Stephen Lintott, for their courageous response to a car submerged in Chichester Canal. Despite freezing conditions, the crew entered deep water to rescue the trapped driver and performed CPR in an attempt to save her life. They were praised for their professionalism and bravery at what was described as a tragic and challenging incident.

The evening concluded with the presentation of a British Empire Medal to Andy Horner, recognising his remarkable five-decade career with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Councillor Duncan Crow said it was a privilege to be part of the ceremony:
“This event never fails to draw out some exceptional stories demonstrating the very best in public service. I was delighted to see these individuals receiving the recognition they deserve for their commitment and dedication to keeping West Sussex safe.”

Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball added:
“This ceremony is about recognising the people who make our service exceptional. Whether through bravery, innovation, or compassion, every award winner has made a lasting impact on our county and the communities we serve. I am extremely proud and grateful for their dedicated service.”

The event also included presentations of Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to dozens of firefighters, marking 20, 30 and 40 years of service to West Sussex communities, alongside commendations for volunteer work, community partnership, and charitable fundraising.

The ceremony highlighted the extraordinary efforts of fire and rescue staff who continue to serve with courage, compassion, and professionalism across the county.

The full list of award recipients are:

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (20 years)

• Christopher Barker
• Shaun Beales
• Christopher Bowles
• Michael Boyd
• Matthew Cole
• Steven Eames
• Brian Evanson
• Neil Fairhall
• Edward Fox
• Jonathan Hicks
• Peter Horner
• Ian James
• Stephen Lintott
• Neil Mason
• Gavin McCourty
• James McGrath
• Adam Morris
• Rex Robertson
• Stuart Smith
• Gary Waters 

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (30 years)

• Christine Diver
• Stephen Saunders
• Peter Sadler

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (40 years)

• Graham Marchant

 British Empire Medal

• Andrew Horner

 Commendation Awards

• Suzanne Goff (Career/Lifetime Achievement Award)
• Darren Wickings (Shining Star)
• Ian Guppy (Shining Star)
• Helen Solomons (Shining Star)
• Targeted Education Team (Team of the Year)
• Chichester College (The Community and Partnership Award)
• Kevin Wadey, Thomas Oakey, and Henfield RDS (Charity Champion
• Michael Graysmark (Volunteer of the Year)
• Lyndon Osgood (Exceptional Service)
• Green Watch Chichester – Stephen Lintott, Richard Pullen, Joe Churchill, Edward Hodge & Simon Reed (Bravery)