Cumbria’s fire personnel have celebrated for their dedication and skill at the service’s annual awards ceremony.

Seven awards were handed out by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service at gathering held to recognising the outstanding work being carried out every day to keep Cumbria safe by both those on the frontline and those behind the scenes keeping the service functioning successfully.

A number of Long Service Good Conduct Medals were also presented at the event, in addition to three special commendations.

Rick Ogden, Chief Fire Officer, said: “This is the best day of the year; a fantastic opportunity to highlight the outstanding work and significant achievements within our special team.

“The challenges are never ending, but it’s important we take stock and appreciate the phenomenal people we have at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service; they never cease to amaze me and it is a privilege to be Chief Fire Officer of this fine service.”

There were two incidents that received Chief Fire Officer Commendations as Lewis Thomas, who delivered first aid and CPR to a teenager who had fallen unconscious in Carlisle, and kept the teenager stable until the ambulance arrived.

He has since learned that the teenager has made a full recovery.

Mr Ogden said: “Lewis’ selflessness, servitude and courage epitomise the values and spirit of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. There is no doubt that the professionalism demonstrated by Lewis was fundamental in helping save the life of the teenager.”

Lewis said: “It’s a real honour to receive the Commendation, and a reminder of the importance of acquiring and maintaining first aid skills. No one leaves the house expecting to need or give first aid; it’s key that people feel able to provide it and are confident in administering it.

“I’m thankful that I was able to make a difference, and grateful that I’ve been able to develop and maintain the skills to be there when needed.”

The second was awarded to Sarah Pratt and Lynsey Rumney, who performed CPR on a gentleman who had suffered cardiac arrest outside Carlisle United Football Club, and continued to do until the ambulance arrived.

Sarah and Lynsey, who play for neighbouring Carlisle Cougars Rugby Club, had received CPR training at their club from our Carlisle crews earlier in the season.

Sarah and Lynsey said: “It’s amazing to receive the Commendation; we never expected it.

“What happened to the gentleman highlights the importance of everyone learning how to deliver CPR, and we were pleased that we were able to help.”

Mr Ogden added: “What these ladies did on that day was absolutely remarkable. They managed to keep calm in an incredibly difficult situation and took decisive action in putting their life-saving skills into practice.

“It’s particularly pertinent because Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service had delivered CPR training to Sarah, Lynsey and everyone at their rugby club earlier this season, so it goes to show how crucial it is to deliver and to learn these skills.”

The winners of the awards were:

• Community Contribution Award – Workington Fire Cadets, for their contribution to community, charity and for achieving second place in the National Fire Cadet Games in Merseyside.
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Johnathan Hurst, for his work supporting on-call stations in the south of the county and going above and beyond every day.
• Unsung Hero – Alasdair Guthrie, for his unwavering positive attitude to everything he faces and consistently representing the service’s values and standards.
• Fundraisers of the Year – Egremont Fire Station, for raising £2,290 for The Firefighters’ Charity with a Bucket Challenge from Egremont to Whitehaven.
• Inspirational Leader Award – Karl Read, for showing positive influence and strong leadership at Arnside Station.
• Team of the Year Award – People and Talent, for demonstrating innovation, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the success of the service.
• Outstanding Contribution – Brian Steadman, for being a remarkable source of inspiration for the entire service, and embodying the core code of ethics, demonstrating a commitment to going above and beyond on a daily basis. Rick Ogden said: “Brian embodies all that is good about Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.”

The following people received long-service awards:

• 35 years’ service – Julie Coulthard, Operational Resourcing Coordinator
• Long Service Good Conduct Medals (20 years) – David Lindsay, John Marshall, Luiza Oliver, Carl Pearson, Stephen Reid, Darren Russell, Mark Sharpe, Michael Tallentire, Adam Walker, Andrew Warwick.