Heroic firefighters honoured for their service to Oxfordshire’s communities

Thirteen firefighters who have served Oxfordshire residents for a combined total of 260 years (20 years each) have been presented with His Majesty The King’s long service and good conduct medals in a special ceremony.

In addition, four firefighters with a combined total of 120 years’ service received commemorative clasps and certificates.

Marjorie Glasgow BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, attended a prestigious event at Blenheim Palace on Thursday 3 April 2025 to present, by royal warrant, the long service medals.

Non-operational staff who had achieved 20 years’ service were also recognised.

 

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety, said: “I am proud of the dedication and commitment of our Oxfordshire firefighters. Their 260 years of combined service is a testament to their bravery, skill and devotion.

“Their selflessness, courage and efforts to protect lives and strengthen community bonds in Oxfordshire inspire us all and they will continue to influence future generations of firefighters. Thank you for your service and for being the foundation of our community safety.”

 

Emily Spencer, Blenheim Palace’s Head of Operations, said: “Blenheim Palace are humbled and delighted to host Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s awards ceremony, it is a great honour for us. We are excited to support this event, recognising such heroic achievements, in our historic Orangery. We would like to add our own thanks and recognition to the dedication and bravery of Oxfordshire’s firefighters.”

 

Award recipients included:

 

Andy Ford, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Station Manager for Road Safety Education  

The event saw Andy Ford, Station Manager for Road Safety Education, presented with the Rose Award.

This award is presented in memory of former Councillor Rodney Rose who was the Cabinet Member for Community Safety Service and Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council. It is for an employee who has made an outstanding contribution to supporting Oxfordshire communities.

With over 34 years of operational service, Andy Ford was recognised for his tireless work to promote and push forward road safety education messages. He continually works in partnership with colleagues across the Thames Valley to maximise the impact of community safety advice.

Under Andy’s leadership, the service has seen an expansion of the cycle training programme; a year on year increase in grant funding; and over 7,000 children being taught to ride their bikes safely each year.

He has also been instrumental in setting up and launching Bike Libraries – providing bicycles to young people across Oxfordshire who don’t have access to equipment, promoting active and sustainable travel – in primary schools, community settings, with faith groups, and to support young unaccompanied refugees who are making a new home in the county.

 

Rob MacDougall said: “Andy Ford’s unwavering dedication to road safety education and his dedicated service as a fire officer has had a profound impact. His innovative initiatives, such as the Bike Libraries and the expansion of cycle training, have not only enhanced safety but have also empowered thousands of children and residents in Oxfordshire.

“Andy’s passion and relentless efforts serve as an example to us all and we are immensely proud to honour him with the Rose Award.”

 

 

 

 

Richard Knight, Station Support Officer 

Richard was recipient of the 20-year long service and good conduct medal. He is a station support officer covering Abingdon, Goring and Watlington fire stations.

 

 

 

 

 

Deddington fire and rescue crew

Deddington fire and rescue crew were recipients of the On-call Fire Station of the Year award.

From left to right: Adrian Spilsbury, Corrin King, Chris Fenemore, Ben Fenemore and Celia Harber.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mae Mitchell

During the evening, Rob MacDougall presented a Chief Fire Officer Special Recognition to Mae Mitchell, a young local Oxford resident who has provided the crews at Slade Fire Station with several hampers. This initiative started during lockdown with Mae using her saved pocket money to pay for the gifts she donates.