Humberside Fire and Rescue Service recently hosted its annual Community Awards ceremony, this year being 10 years since the first ever event.
Taking place at Hessle’s Country Park Inn, on Friday 2 November, the evening celebrates members of HFRS staff, and partners, who have made a positive impact on their peers, the organisation or the community.
A panel of judges worked hard to whittle the nominations down to just three in each of the eight categories, with winners being announced on the night. This year saw a record number of people voting for others, with over 100 nominations received.
The winner of the Chief’s Award was chosen by Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Chris Blacksell, and a new category for this year; HFRS Strategic Leadership Team Special Recognition Award, was chosen by members of the Strategic Leadership Team. The categories, including winners and sponsors, are shown below.
Innovation Award (sponsored by Howdens Joinery) – Joanne Mankel
Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Soper Group) – Laura Butcher
Outstanding Contribution to The Fire Fighters Charity (sponsored by Gordons LLP) – The Withernsea Fundraising Committee
Partnership of the Year Award (sponsored by BAE Systems) – Safer Roads Humber
Partner Project of the Year Award (sponsored by Capsticks Solicitors LLP) – Hull Clinical Commissioning Group
Team Mate of the Year Award (sponsored by PBI Performance) – Martin Cripsey
Team of the Year Award (sponsored by Bristol Uniforms) – East Riding Community Safety
Fire Station/Watch of the Year (sponsored by Scania) – Peaks Lane Blue Watch
HFRS Strategic Leadership Team Special Recognition Award – Joanne Brown and Kerry De Freitas Rodrigues
Chiefs Award (sponsored by FireAngel) – Gary Flintham
200 guests attended the celebration, which was hosted by local radio presenter Darren Lethem. Yvonne Blenkinsop, a part of the legendary Hull’s Headscarf Heroes, attended the evening as a special guest. Her story captivated guests during the evening. Click here to see more about the Hull Headscarf Heroes.
Chris Blacksell, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said: “The evening provides everybody, including myself, with an opportunity to appreciate the great stories and achievements by our members of staff.
“Those achievements might be for raising thousands of pounds for The Firefighters Charity, developing new innovative systems to help us to work more effectively, or saving someone’s life while off-duty.
“Congratulations to all of the worthy winners and nominees.”