Tony Clark took home the Chief’s Award at the eighth annual Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Community Awards which took place on 24 November at The Country Park in Hessle.
Around 200 guests gathered to celebrate success and recognise the work of individuals, teams and partner agencies who have made a real difference to the safety and well-being of our communities over the last 12 months.
Tony collected the evening’s final award on an enjoyable night superbly hosted by KCFM's Darren Lethem. His work in Howden to build a strong relationship between the fire station and Howdens Joinery has been instrumental in keeping crewing levels high and two engines on the run during the day as well as on evenings and at weekends. CFO Dene Sanders praised Tony's pivotal role in growing the partnership which ultimately benefits both organisations and the Howden community at large.
[Pictured left to right are: Craig Lannie from sponsors FireAngel, Tony Clark and CFO Dene Sanders]
The other big winner of the night was Mike Edwards who took home the Local Hero Award 2016. Off duty paramedic risked his own life to jump into a fast flowing River Derwent at Stamford Bridge to save a woman who had fallen into the water. Mike and his wife Tracey managed to get the woman back to the riverbank, checked her airways and stayed with her until the arrival of paramedics.
Special guest speaker Jono Lancaster kicked the evening off by sharing his heart-wrenching story with the packed room. You could have heard a pin drop as Jono explained the challenges of living with Treacher Collins syndrome and how it took him 23 years to accept who he is.
Superb photos were taken at the event by Hull College students Emily Wilkinson and Emily Broderick, with a special area for group shots set up to raise funds for My Burns Club. Staff and guests raised just under £200 for the Wakefild based charity which provides support for youngsters who are living with severe burn injuries.
The evening concluded with the excellent live band The Other Two providing the entertainment.
Chief Fire Officer Dene Sanders presented the following awards on stage alongside representatives from the generous sponsors.
Project of the Year Award
Sponsor: Bristol Uniforms
Nominees:
Hull Falls Team
K9 Fire Investigation Dogs Team - Jon Willingham and Mike Shooter,
Preston Road Women’s Centre
Winner: K9 FIRE DOGS TEAM
Engaging with young people in fire safety work with schools
Inspiring Others (Team)
Sponsor: BAE Systems
Nominees:
Howdens Joinery
Hornsea Neighbourhood Policing Team and Special Constables
Beverley Fire Station
Winners: BEVERLEY FIRE STATION
Growing the longstanding Lemgo / Beverley twinning relationship.
Fire Station / Watch of the Year
Sponsor: ONGO
Nominees:
Beverley Fire Station
Bransholme Fire Station
Market Weighton Fire Station
Winners: BRANSHOLME FIRE STATION
Developing an innovative self rostering shift system.
Team of the Year
Sponsor: BAE Systems
Nominees:
Stores
Corporate Finance and Procurement Team
Service Support Centre
Winner: STORES
Maintaining a resilient and reliable service during move to new premises.
Award for Inspiring Others (Individual)
Sponsor: ARCO
Nominees:
Michelle Emmerson
Gavin Hudson
Chris Wardman
Winner: CHRIS WARDMAN
Battling back from a life changing illness with determination.
Local Hero Award
Sponsor: BP
Nominees:
Dan Lockwood and Gareth Wray
Mike Edwards
Samantha Irvine
Winner: MIKE EDWARDS (pictured with Dene Sanders and Rachel Palmer from award sponsor BP)
Off duty paramedic who jumped in to rescue a woman from a fast flowing river.
Chief’s Award
Sponsor: FireAngel
Winner: TONY CLARK