A group of firefighters and colleagues with a combined 360 years of dedicated service were recognised at a special award ceremony earlier this week.
The 18-strong gathering was brought together at the West Service Delivery Area Headquarters, Hamilton where they received Long Service Good Conduct medals.
The medals were presented by Alasdair Hay, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to acknowledge their 20-year commitment to communities.
Also in attendance at the event on Tuesday, May 30 was the Chair of the Board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Pat Watters and the Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, Peter Heath.
The firefighters are based across Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Argyll, Firth of Clyde and Inverclyde.
In addition, awards were handed out to five SFRS staff members who also each received a certificate to mark 20 years of loyal service.
Chief Officer Hay said: “I am delighted to be here in Hamilton today to present these Long Service and Good Conduct medals to some of our amazing staff in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“There is absolutely no doubt that every single one of you has earned this recognition - not only for long and loyal commitment to the service, but for an outstanding and exemplary conduct over the past 20 years.
“I meet many different people in my role and there is no doubt whatsoever that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is amongst the most respected of public sector organisations; for everything that we do to protect our country and our communities.
“The words I hear regularly are: bravery, commitment - those who are always prepared to go the extra mile to protect the public at times of crisis. And I say in reply: yes our Firefighters are all of that - but they could not do that without our support staff, the ones that work behind the scenes. You are the enablers.
“And I am pleased to see you here – for you are equally deserving of these awards today.
“Every single one of you are the epitome of the Scottish Fire and Rescue spirit. You have devoted yourselves to keeping people safe.”
The firefighters who received their Long Service and Good Conduct medals are:
Watch Managers:
- John Barr (Motherwell)
- David Reid (Polmadie)
- Raymond Stewart (Bishopbriggs)
- Robert Houston (Gourock)
- Brian Murphy (Greenock)
- Elaine Baird (Johnstone)
Crew Managers:
- Alan Dickson (Pollock)
Firefighters:
- Lesley Drummond (Johnstone)
- Mark McBride (Clydesmill)
- Fiona Laing (Lochranza)
- Andrew Fisher (Port Ellen)
Volunteer Leader:
- Alasdair MacNeil (Port Ellen)
Deputy Volunteer Leader:
- George Dow (Dalmally)
The staff recipients of the 20-year certificate are:
- Joseph Tinney: Graphic Designer (Hamilton)
- Laura Canning of Finance & Contractual Services (Hamilton)
- Veronica Willerton of Legal Services (Cambuslang)
- Elizabeth Brady of the Community Safety Engagement Team (East, North and South Ayrshire)
- Carol Smith of the Community Safety Engagement Team (Glasgow).
