Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service celebrates the invaluable contribution of staff and volunteers

Ceremonies were held on Wednesday (8 January) and Thursday (9 January) to celebrate a staggering combined total of 980 years’ service and 5,400 volunteer hours, with operational and non-operational staff members and volunteers honoured at the events.

Award recipients were joined by their family and friends at the Training and Safety Centre in Bury to highlight their importance in sustaining the dedication of these individuals over the years in an evening of celebrations and congratulations.

Representatives of the King attended each evening to present the Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct 20 years’ service medal; the Deputy Lieutenant, Ms Karan Lee JP DL attended on 8 January with the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL attending on 9 January.

The Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, attended on 9 January to present the GMFRS Volunteer Achievement pin badge and our Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel presented all the other awards across the two evenings.

Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said:

“The Long Service and Good Conduct Awards celebrate everything that is great about GMFRS and it is an honour to commemorate our colleagues’ long and invaluable dedication to the service each year.

“I want to thank all of the award recipients for their unwavering commitment to GMFRS and their selfless dedication to protecting the public and demonstrating our service’s mission, vision and values.

“The awards ceremonies are also a great opportunity to thank everyone’s families and friends for supporting our colleagues throughout their careers.”

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:

“It was great to be able to present an award at this event and celebrate some of those who have given so much to our service.

“There are so many people giving so much of their time in the protection of our communities and I cannot thank them and their families and friends enough.”

Highlights and notable mentions from the events include seven operational and non-operational staff members reaching the incredible 30-year milestone and volunteer, Keith Dunkerley, who was awarded the gold volunteer pin badge for dedicating 1,630 hours over 15 years to volunteering.

These events are an incredible opportunity to recognise the commitment, hard work, resilience and dedication of colleagues throughout the service. GMFRS is proud of the development and positive changes in the service that these colleagues have been instrumental in.

The Long Service and Good Conduct Awards is a key way in which GMFRS not only acknowledges the past, but also sets the scene for a future where the service continues to excel in its mission of serving and safeguarding the communities of Greater Manchester.