Staff honoured at Long Service Awards

A total of 640 years’ service was celebrated today at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Annual Long Service Awards.

A group of 30 firefighters and staff were honoured for their commitment to keeping their communities safe in a ceremony at the Birkenshaw headquarters in Bradford.

Each year, on completion of 20, 30 and 40-years’ service, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service staff are presented with their badges and certificates by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson.

John Roberts, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, said “I’m always in admiration of all of our long service candidates who have given so much of their lives to keeping our communities safe.

“I’m proud to honour our staff today and look back at some of the challenges they have faced as individuals and that we have tackled together as a service. West Yorkshire’s diverse range of residents, businesses, urban and rural areas have them to thank for their commitment and dedication to ensuring our region is a safe place to work and live.”

Chair of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Authority, Cllr Darren O’ Donovan said, “This year, as ever, staff here have gone the extra mile in supporting those we serve, through a range of initiatives. We have stepped up fire prevention and protection efforts following the pandemic, increased our efforts to protect the beautiful countryside we live in and even provided help to those in war torn communities of Ukraine.

“Both our operational and non-operational staff have continued to work extremely hard in their respective roles and have continued to excel in helping both other colleagues and the public we serve, which gives me an immense sense of pride. As some of the most long serving staff within the service I thank you for the difference you have made and continue to make day in and out."

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Band played at the ceremony.

Visit the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Careers page to find out about jobs in the fire service.