TWO people from Redditch have been recognised at a ceremony honouring staff from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS)
Youngster Sarah Williams picked up the top Young Fire Fighter of the Year trophy while the Reverend Dick Johnson, vicar in the Holy Trinity Team, Redditch, received the chairman’s Certificate of Commendation for services provided to the Fire Service’s Critical Incident Support Team (CIST).
Held at Worcester Guildhall, the annual event recognised staff for their outstanding work and commitment to the life saving service.
Sarah received her accolade – the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Award – in recognition of her determination and enthusiasm, from the Sheriff himself, Sir Nicholas Lechmere Bt, and Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis.
A member of the Redditch branch of the Young Fire Fighters Association, Sarah was rubbing shoulders with the finest officers of HWFRS, as well as other dignitaries including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Viscount Cobham.
The Rev Johnson is chaplain to the fire service as part of his work for Faith at Work in Worcestershire.
He is co-ordinator of CIST, and helps to lead a team of 14 volunteers who respond to alerts from fire control whenever a particularly difficult incident is attended by crews.
The team offers support through phone calls to crew members after incidents as well as a more in depth group counselling sessions as required.
“Helping with the CIST team has become a key part of the work that I do for the fire service,” he said.
“Any incident involving death of a member of the public, injury to children, suicide, complicated and time pressured rescues all lead to alerts.
“I follow up incidents and arrange for the volunteers in the CIST team to offer the appropriate support. I very much see this as part of my role as Chaplain and I’m incredibly honoured that the work has been recognised with this commendation.”
