he life-saving actions by a group of police officers and firefighters during a house fire in the grounds of Stroud School (Romsey); together with the quick thinking of a member of the public which saved a young boy’s life from a fire in Waterlooville, were just two of the winners at last week's Celebrating Success event. 

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony, held at its headquarters in Eastleigh, celebrated the achievements of the staff and partners that have made a real difference to Hampshire – on Wednesday 11 December.

Dame Mary Fagan Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire joined the proceedings to present the Long Service and Good Conduct medals, to firefighters who have served 20 years.

Additional awards included a Certificate of Congratulations for a member of Hampshire’s Control Room, Lisa Hepplestone, who provided life-saving advice to a couple trapped by fire in their home in Fratton earlier this year.

Speaking at the event, Chief Officer John Bonney said: ‘I personally feel very proud to celebrate and recognise the achievements of so many members of staff and partners.’ He also thanked the families who are always there to support their loved ones. 

Other results announced on the night included, Wessex Demolition and Salvage who won the Partnership Award, Crew Manager Vinnie of Horndean Fire Station took the Retained Duty System Employer Award. One of two charity awards went to Firefighter Perry Dodgson from Havant and Emsworth Fire Stations for his commitment to a variety of charities including the RNLI, Love Light Romania and the Fire Fighters Charity. Station Manager Ty Whitlock took another award for his Fire Fighters Charity fundraising over 20 years.

A new Volunteer Award was introduced at this year’s event and three volunteers were awarded for their significant contribution to the Service; Richard Swann from Eastleigh, Anny Warren who provides support in the Rushmoor area and Karen Woods from Stamshaw.

The ceremony closed with the Chief Officer’s Special Recognition Awards. Watch Manager Chas McGill (Eastleigh and New Forest) proudly took the Chief Officer’s ‘Safer’ award for his work on the Airwave radio system. Embedding it in the Service and promoting it to partner agencies like the police and Environment Agency. Chas McGill commented: ‘The work I have carried out, couldn’t have been achieved without Mike Batten from Hampshire Constabulary, so I would like to recognise him for his excellent achievements over the years while working on this project.’