Oxfordshire firefighters awarded for years of service

Fifteen firefighters were presented with The King’s long service and good conduct medals at a special ceremony at Blenheim Palace, on April 30.

Oxfordshire’s vice-lord lieutenant, Brian Buchan, attended the event to present the long service medals to the firefighters who have each completed 20 years of service.

Goring firefighter Sean Absolom (left) being presented with his award by Major James Sibbald, deputy lieutenant of Oxfordshire (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer and director of community safety, said: "Our annual awards ceremony reflects both the fire and rescue service and Oxfordshire communities’ appreciation and gratitude to frontline officers, as well as to support teams, fire cadets and volunteers for their devotion to duty over many years."

On-call firefighter at Hook Norton Fire Station Ivor Matthews, who juggles his role with regular employment, was also honoured with a 40 year certificate.

Mr Matthews joined in November 1983 and climbed the ranks to become a supervisory manager by 1990.

He said: "I am proud of the role that I do and I'm grateful to my family for their support throughout my 40 year career."

Mr MacDougall continued: "Ivor’s dedication has been unwavering over four decades.

"Ivor is an inspiration to everyone in our service. His dedication shines through; an inspiring role model."

Emily Spencer, Blenheim Palace’s head of operations, added: "Blenheim Palace is humbled and delighted to host Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s awards ceremony in our historic Orangery, recognising the many heroic achievements and dedication to duty of Oxfordshire’s fire and rescue teams in the service’s golden jubilee year.”