Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service honours local heroes at annual awards

The big picture: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk Trading Standards and emergency planning teams were recognised for their dedication to public safety at the annual awards event on 02 October.

Key highlights: Over 50 medals and accolades were presented, highlighting exceptional service and long-term commitments, including:

• Firefighter Matthew Brown received the Miles Hammond Trophy for providing life-saving CPR to a teenage girl hit by a car in Lowestoft.

• The Suffolk Trading Standards 'No Cold Calling Zone' team won the Excellence in Community Safety Award for protecting over 34,000 households from doorstep crime since 2009.

• The Salvation Army volunteers were named Volunteer of the Year for their 24/7 refreshment service at major incidents.

• Debenham fire station took home the Best Fire Station award for their efforts during Storm Babet.

• Nigel Howlett of Suffolk Trading Standards earned a Lifetime Achievement award for his 44-year career investigating rogue businesses.

Long service honours:

• 11 firefighters received HM The King's Long Service and Good Conduct Medals for 20 years of service.

• Seven staff members were awarded 30-year clasps.

• Four senior officers received 40-year clasps.

What they're saying:

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "I am hugely honoured to be able to help recognise the hard work and dedication to public service of this special group of people. It is no exaggeration to say that their hard work and devotion to what they do is what allows the rest of us to live our lives in safety. Society owes them a great deal."

Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey added: "These awards are a celebration of the important, often life-saving, work carried out in this county all-year round by this service. I am extremely proud to lead Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, and I am also delighted to see the hard work of our partners in Trading Standards and the Suffolk Resilience Forum being recognised."

The bottom line: The ceremony highlighted the crucial role these services play in keeping Suffolk communities safe and secure, from emergency response to consumer protection.