Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s annual recognition awards celebrate the best of the service over the last year.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has celebrated the achievements of individuals, teams and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to keep communities safer, support colleagues and strengthen the service over the past year.
The annual recognition awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of areas, from community safety and emergency planning to outstanding leadership and partnership working.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark Baxter, said: “It’s always a big highlight of my year to host these recognition awards and again this year we had so many worthy nominations which made it incredibly difficult for our panel to choose our winners”
“As well as celebrating the work of our frontline firefighters, wholetime and on-call, we also recognise those doing incredible work behind the scenes. Community safety, emergency planning, volunteers, and our amazing control team.
“Every time we hold these awards I am reminded what a fantastic place Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is to be, working alongside colleagues whose drive and commitment makes Lincolnshire a safer place to live.
Cllr Alex McGonigle, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, said: “It was a privilege to be able to attend these awards recognising the amazing work that colleagues in our fire service are doing on a daily basis.
“It was great to present the Cllr award to the Community Safety Team for their excellent work introducing two new fire cadet units over the past year.
“It’s initiatives like this, and the dedication on display across all our staff, that make the fire service such an integral part of Lincolnshire’s communities, and I’m glad that we can recognise some of the people who help to make that happen.”
Award winners
Daniel Moss, Area Manager for Organisational Support, and the Community Fire Safety TeamMost Effective Community Safety Initiative - Community Fire Safety Team
For their outstanding work developing and delivering a localised caravan fire safety initiative following a tragic incident. Asking what could be done differently, the team worked closely with East Lindsey District Council, licensing teams and partners to strengthen safety measures and improve awareness of caravan fire safety.
Through stronger partnerships, better information for firefighters and enhanced safety guidance for caravan visitors, the team has made a lasting difference to community safety.
The breadth and impact of the initiative has also led to national recognition, with the National Fire Chiefs Council using Lincolnshire’s work as an example for fire and rescue services throughout the country.
Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, and the Emergency Planning Team
Partnerships Award - Emergency Planning Team
For their commitment to building resilience within local communities through the development of Community Emergency Response Teams.
Recognising that local volunteers often possess invaluable knowledge of their communities, the team has worked collaboratively to establish and support CERTs across Lincolnshire.
Their partnership approach has strengthened preparedness and ensured communities are better equipped to respond when emergencies occur.
David Lynch, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection, and the Control TeamTeam Working Award - Control Team
For their exceptional teamwork, professionalism and dedication during one of the busiest summers Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has experienced.
Despite managing the challenges of retirements and the loss of significant experience, the team has continued to provide an outstanding 24 hours a day, 365 days a year service to the people of Lincolnshire. Behind every emergency call and response is the Control Team, gathering critical information, coordinating resources and supporting incident resolution. Their work saves lives every day behind the scenes and this award is a thoroughly deserved recognition of a team that consistently pulls together under pressure.
Ryan Stacey, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, and Ben ClarkeOutstanding Leadership Award - Ben Clarke
For his exceptional leadership, dedication and professionalism in coordinating the UKISAR exercise before then leading Lincolnshire's response to the Venezuela earthquake.
Managing complex operations both at home and abroad, he provided vital support to families in Lincolnshire while maintaining regular contact with personnel on the ground, often working late into the night to overcome time differences and ensure communications remained open.
His calm, compassionate and effective leadership played a crucial role in the success of these significant operations, and Ben is earmarked as rising star in the service.
Cllr Alex McGonigle, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, and Fire Cadets programme leadsExecutive Councillor Award - Fire Cadet Programme
For providing inspiring opportunities for young people across Lincolnshire and continuing to grow the programme with the creation of two new units this year, in Grantham and Sleaford.
Through developing skills, confidence and strong community connections, the Fire Cadet Programme gives young people a sense of purpose and belonging while helping them make a positive contribution to their local area.
The enthusiasm and commitment shown by cadets is truly infectious, and the programme's success would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and support.
Joe Haustead, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, and Mark SmithOutstanding Contribution to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue - Mark Smith
For his unwavering commitment and dedication as an exceptional ambassador for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
Continually going above and beyond in support of the service, Mark leads the volunteer group and plays a key role in organising the annual Santa Run, alongside countless other activities that benefit both the organisation and the communities it serves.
His enthusiasm, commitment and selfless contribution make a lasting difference and are greatly appreciated by colleagues, volunteers and the public alike.
Matt King, Area Manager for Response, and Waddington Fire Station crewMost Improved Station - Waddington Fire Station
For demonstrating remarkable progress and continuous improvement across a range of key performance areas.
The station has delivered outstanding results throughout an exceptionally busy summer period. Supported by strong leadership and a commitment to development, the team has continually looked to improve and deliver for the local community.
Ryan Stacey, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, and Saxilby Fire Station crewBeacon Station Award - Saxilby Fire Station
For continuing to set the standard as an outstanding fire station and a valued part of the local community.
No stranger to this award, Saxilby has once again demonstrated the qualities that make it our beacon station.
The close-knit team have an unwavering commitment to supporting residents and a strong sense of pride in serving the local area, and their dedication, professionalism and community spirit make them extremely worthy winners of this recognition.