West Midlands Fire Service held a VIP ceremony at the ICC in Birmingham last night (Wednesday 10 February), in recognition of firefighters and support staff who have achieved excellence in their particular area of work during the last year.
The ‘Aspire’ Awards saw 500 distinguished guests, including business leaders, civic dignitaries and WMFS staff enjoy a night of celebration of the Brigade’s achievements. Celebrity Julian Smith from ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent entertained everyone with his saxophone playing, while comedian Tim Clark was hilarious as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was the winner of the Hero of the Year award as it went to Media Relations’ very own Jeremy Sharpe who, in the judge’s opinion, has shown great courage and dedication in the face of adversity. In the citation from the Chief Officer, Vij Randeniya it was noted how Jeremy had achieved some amazing feats which exemplify his attitude towards life, despite the fact that he was born with Cerebral Palsy and unable to walk until the age of eight – and even then only as a result of numerous operations.
Vij said: “Jeremy adopts a unique way of looking at life, with his mental approach to others around him and his desire not to let anyone down. It is this approach to the greater good which best demonstrates everything good about our organisation. Jeremy’s driving force is caring about people, if he feels he has not completed a task to the best possible outcome he will be very self critical and his first consideration is that will have let others down. In our business we are used to working unusual hours but not a minimum of six days a week 52 weeks a year. Jeremy is a truly deserving winner of this award.”
On receiving his award, Jeremy said: “Still shocked, I am extremely proud of this award. I am also privileged and incredibly fortunate to be a part of a fantastic communications team within a caring organisation whose staff constantly strive for excellence in everything they do to make the West Midlands safer on a daily basis, and in serving nationally and internationally when required. All I have ever wanted to do is use my knowledge and skills to help other people. Life is often frustrating but it is hard for many people for lots of different reasons. My heartfelt thanks go to all my colleagues and those who voted for me.”
Station of the Year was won by Tipton. This station has seamlessly transformed from a single to a multi-pump station. Tipton Fire Station is now at the forefront of community engagement activities for the youth of Sandwell. The changes that Tipton Fire Station has experienced this last year have been enormous. The introduction of the late pump, has not only increased staffing numbers but has also affected the material changes that have been made on the station. These extensive changes have been managed in an inclusive manner.
All the staff honoured received a limited edition award and certificate in recognition of their work and achievements.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Vij Randeniya said about the Aspire Awards: “This truly was an excellent night which celebrated the amazing achievements of the staff of the West Midlands Fire Service. We have heard many good examples of dedication, commitment and going above and beyond the call of duty but I’m certain there are far more of these within this organisation.
“As we look to the challenges ahead, I am more than confident that all the men and women of the West Midlands Fire Service will rise to these challenges and take us forward for the future.
“I’m sure all of you here tonight are feeling an enormous amount of pride, then imagine how I’m feeling standing here as your Chief.”
All the categories and the winners are listed below:
Outstanding Contribution To Creating A Modern 21st Century Fire Service
For staff that have either shown great loyalty by consistently making an outstanding contribution to the running of the organisation or have made a single contribution which goes over and above what would usually be expected
This was won by Sandwell Youth Services. When it comes to working with youth, this team will stop at nothing until they have helped create and build a solid future for the young people in their area. The project started at the beginning of 2008 when a small team of off duty firefighters started to engage with work experience groups from local secondary schools. In less than two years this experiment has been transformed into a programme whereby more than 45 firefighters work in their own time off duty, to take the pupils education to a level where they can now gain nationally recognised qualifications.
Tipton area based personnel
Firefighter Rebecca Lockley
Crew Commander Keith Fairfax
Firefighter Nathan Pattimore
Firefighter Ian Wright
Firefighter Scott McKee
Station Commander Lawrence Bowbanks
Firefighter Christopher Evans
Firefighter Paul Ratcliffe
Firefighter Chris Green
Crew Commander
Mark Davies
Firefighter Nathan Hodgkins
Firefighter Aaron Adshead
Crew Commander David Foley
Firefighter Liz Milinson
Firefighter Debbie Allen
Firefighter David Webb
Firefighter Yvette Greenhouse
Firefighter Alan Partridge
Firefighter David Hickman
Firefighter Scott Pugh
Firefighter Darren Pickard
Crew Commander Andrew Pincher
Watch Commander John Williams
Firefighter Mark Neat
Partnership Achievement Award
For staff effort in creating and achieving successful partnerships within the community
This was won by Transport Engineering Workshops Team and Walsall College. This team has successfully produced highly trained, fully qualified motor vehicle technicians that are supporting both the West Midlands Fire Service and local industry within the West Midlands region. Funding for this scheme was extremely difficult to secure, so the team set up a trainee programme to support four apprentices per year. Transport Engineering Workshops have seen the reward they thoroughly deserve in winning a gold award for outstanding achievement from Walsall College in 2009.
All staff based at Transport Engineering Workshops (Perry Bar)
Mr Steve McCormick
Mr Terry Danks
Mr Kevin Woodhouse
Mr Liam Russell
Operational Excellence Award
For staff who have demonstrated excellence in challenging or adverse circumstances
This was won by D Crew, Fire Control, Red Watch from Bournbrook, Billesley and Kings Norton Fire Stations. Quick thinking and intelligence are just two of the qualities which this team used in abundance. Working together, this team responded to the most challenging and traumatic event that occurs within Fire Control, a caller trapped by fire. The fire control operator soon identified that the caller was unable to get out of the property and set about reassuring the caller whilst also alerting the crews from Bournbrook, Billesley and Kings Norton Fire Stations. The crews were mobilised and affected a successful rescue to reunite the family.
Watch Commander Carl Kefford Fire Control (HQ)
Crew Commander Tina Ryan Fire Control (HQ)
Firefighter Amanda Mullins Fire Control (HQ)
Bournbrook Red Watch Bournbrook Fire Station
Kings Norton Red Watch Kings Norton Fire Station
Billesley Red Watch Billesley Fire Station
Sporting Award
Outstanding team sporting achievement
This was won by Gold Medal Winners of the World Firefighter Games. Individuals who won gold medals at the World Firefighting Games in Liverpool. West Midlands Fire Service has many talented sports men and women across the Brigade. The individuals we are recognising tonight won either as a team or as Team Members: an individual, and are all sporting heroes.
Firefighter Rick Topham Highgate Fire Station
Firefighter Ryan Donaldson Highgate Fire Station
Firefighter Calvin Allen Fallings Park Fire Station
Firefighter Danny Smith Northfield Fire Station
Firefighter Sara Hall Bournbrook Fire Station
Firefighter Paul Jobbins Tech. Rescue Unit
Crew Commander Andy Davis Bournbrook Fire Station
Crew Commander Dave Burnham Canley Fire Station
Crew Commander Paul Lovell Fallings Park Fire Station
Ms Jackie Rozario Hay Mill Fire Safety Centre
Community Engagement Award
Most valuable contribution to improve community engagement
This was won by Adam Harper. Adam Harper’s enthusiasm and sheer determination to reduce risk within communities is simply extraordinary. Over the last 12 months Adam has made over 700 families safer in their homes, a fact that a team would be proud of. For one person this is a truly phenomenal achievement. He has achieved this by totally immersing and integrating himself within Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and many more communities with vigour and enthusiasm.
Crew Commander Adam Harper HQ
Fundraising Award
For the team who have made an exceptional contribution to charity through their fundraising activities
This was won by Rudy Parkes. For over 20 years Rudy Parkes has worked tirelessly for others and is personally responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for great causes. No charity is too large or too small – it’s the end benefit that matters to Rudy. For example, he has made over 40 trips to Romania to bring hope to forgotten children. One Christmas he hired a horse and cart and dressed up as Father Christmas, he then rode into an orphanage in Bucharest to distribute presents. It was the first time in their lives that the youngsters had received gifts.
Watch Commander Rudy Parkes Specialist Rescue Training, (Learning and Development Centre)
Innovation & Creativity Award
For the team who has made an innovative or creative contribution for the benefit of the organisation
This was won by Bill Gough. Bill Gough has made an indescribably powerful contribution to firefighter safety over the years. What’s more he continues to push boundaries (too numerous to mention in this programme) with new concepts to ensure safety around the West Midlands. He does it all with dedication, professionalism, humour, inspiration and a sense of real purpose. There is never a dull moment with Bill.
Group Commander Bill Gough HQ
Environmental Award
For the team that has made the most valuable contribution towards protecting the environment
This was won by the Raised Bed Project. This team has been instrumental in developing an environmental project utilising the grassed area at the rear of their Fire Station. White and Blue Watches from Stourbridge have, in partnership with the local nursery schools, transformed the rear of their Fire Station. Ten tonnes of top soil and 32 reclaimed railway sleepers later, you will now see local children planting and harvesting fruit and vegetables highlighting healthy eating and welfare issues.
Group Commander Phil Towers Stourbridge Fire Station White Watch
Firefighter Mia Wood Stourbridge Fire Station Blue Watch
Ms Annette Newbold
The cost of the ceremony was met entirely through sponsorship at no cost to the taxpayer
Issued by West Midlands Fire Service’s Media Relations Office.
Regular updates on incident and other WMFS activities can be found on the media voicebank on 0871 550 0056.
