Firefighters and support staff from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service have been recognised for their dedication to local communities during a special awards ceremony at Blenheim Palace.
The ceremony celebrated a combined 410 years of service across firefighters and support staff working throughout Oxfordshire.
Eleven firefighters, representing 220 years of service, received His Majesty The King’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medals in recognition of their sustained commitment to protecting residents across the county.
A further five firefighters, with a combined 150 years of service, were awarded commemorative clasps and certificates.
Two support staff members were also honoured for completing 20 years of service, highlighting the important role non-operational teams play in supporting emergency response work.
Among those recognised was Adam Cook, based at the service headquarters in Kidlington, who received a 20 Year Long Service Medal from Marjorie Glasgow during the ceremony held on 11 March.
The event also recognised outstanding performance across the service, with awards presented to individuals, teams and fire stations for exceptional work supporting communities and demonstrating service values.
Categories included:
- Fire station of the year
- On-call fire station of the year
- Fire and community safety team of the year
- Volunteer of the year
- Fundraiser of the year
- Employee of the year
- Firefighter cadet awards
The fundraiser of the year award was presented to Slade Fire Station after the team raised £4,200 for The Fire Fighters Charity, Helen & Douglas House and Oxford Children’s Hospital.
Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety, said:
“Our annual awards ceremony is about recognising the courage and commitment that colleagues across our service show every day.
“These awards reflect decades of service to Oxfordshire’s communities and the strength of a team that continues to support one another and deliver with professionalism and care.
“I am incredibly proud of all my colleagues this evening and grateful for the contribution they make to our organisation and to the people of Oxfordshire.”
Emily Spencer added:
“It is truly special for us to welcome back and honour the incredible individuals receiving recognition for their long service and bravery.
“We celebrate many wonderful occasions in our Orangery, but this one is a highlight of our year.”
The awards evening once again highlighted the contribution of Oxfordshire’s fire service teams to community safety across the county.
