South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Long Service awards 2024

On the evening of Thursday 28^th November, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service recognised the outstanding conduct by colleagues and members of the community at the annual Awards and Long Service presentation evening.

Presented by Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Dean Loader, with a welcoming address from Commissioner Vij Randeniya, the evening invited colleagues and their families to celebrate the selfless service and professionalism of personnel.

Guests included His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan Prof. Peter Vaughan, Unitary Authority mayors and mayoress; High Sheriffs, and SWFRS Officers and Heads of Department.

The Long Service and Good Conduct awards were presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan Prof. Peter Vaughan, Commissioner Vij Randeniya, and Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals – 20 years of service

Queen’s Medal:

• Station Manager Andy Luff
• Station Manager Steve Morgan
• Watch Manager Tristan Bowen
• Watch Manager Dean Howells
• Watch Manager Paul Jones
• Crew Manager Chris Allen
• Crew Manager Christopher Harries
• Firefighter Ashely Browning
• Firefighter Sean Cayford
• Firefighter Lee Davies
• Firefighter Kenneth Laver
• Firefighter Robert Lewis
• Firefighter Gareth White
• Firefighter Rob Bailey
• Firefighter Ciaran Gibbons
• Firefighter Paul Deacon

King’s Medal:

1. Station Manager James Chambers
2. Group Manager Stuart Townsend
3. Station Manager Rhydian Jones
4. Watch Manager Mervyn Andrews
5. Watch Manager Spencer Gray
6. Crew Manager David Richards
7. Watch Manager James Connor
8. Crew Manager Emma Atcherley
9. Firefighter Glyn Cummings
10. Crew Manager Mike Berry
11. Crew Manager Benjamin Smith
12. Firefighter Mark Dodds
13. Firefighter Chris Williams
14. Firefighter Avril Bredenkamp
15. Firefighter Richard Pugh
16. Firefighter Nathan Williams
17. Firefighter Gavin David
18. Firefighter Gareth Evans
19. Firefighter Andrew Kirby
20. Firefighter Richard Simons

Long Service and Good Conduct Clasps – 30 years of service

Queen’s Clasp:

• Station Manager David Burton
• Crew Manager Mike Evans

Kings’ Clasp:

• Cerith Griffiths (retired)
• Watch Manager David James
• Crew Manager Barry Williams

Long Service Certificates for Corporate Staff

• Mark Rolfe – Media and Communications
• Rob Manfield – Media and Communications
• Phillippa Bryant – Secretariat
• Michelle John – People’s Services
• Brian Pring – Fleet and Engineering
• Erica Lawry – Training Department

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant concluded the Long Service and Good Conduct awards, thanking recipients for their hard work: “The medals you received from myself, on behalf of the King as a thank you for everything you do, your families are the people that allow our firefighters to show up every day, without their support they could no do the job they are doing.”

The ceremony moved onto the Awards of Excellence, recognising the innovative and inspirational SWFRS staff and members of our communities for their dedication and professionalism that go above and beyond the call of duty.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Chief Fire Officer Fin Monohan and Commissioner Vij Randeniy were called to present the awards.

The following Chief Fire Officer awards were presented:

Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation:

• Firefighter Joe Lewis
• Firefighter Gareth Holland
• Firefighter Sabrina Butler
• Stephan Hill

Letter of Congratulation:

• Crew Manager Thomas Hunt
• Green Watch Dyffryn
• Firefighter Matthew Porter
• Thomas Evans and Luke Giltinan

Operational Excellence Award:

• Green Watch Barry
• Green Watch and White Watch Fire Control
• Firefighter Joe Cannon and Firefighter Ralph Horrocks
• White Watch Roath and Cardiff Central
• Blue Watch Ely
• Red Watch Bridgend, Kenfig Hill and Green Watch Fire Control
• White Watch Cardiff Central
• Green Watch Aberdare

Unsung Hero Award:

• Ruth Hazell

Outstanding Team Performance:

• Green Watch Ely

Excellence in Innovation:

• Station Manager Jason Lamport and Station Manager Kieron Williams

Unsung Heros Award:

• Firefighter Richard Llewellyn

Commitment to Diversity Award:

• Group Manager Lauren Jones

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan closed the evening by thanking everyone for their commitment and professionalism, whether in corporate or uniform service.