Fire and Rescue Service Host Annual Awards To Celebrate Recognise Staff Achievements

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, 12 September, in Salisbury.

The event recognised staff achieving 20, 30 and 40 years of public service. There were also presentations of Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations, recognising meritorious conduct above and beyond the call of duty, and a number of other awards.

Long Service & Good Conduct medals and clasps were presented to staff by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley LVO FRCOG Hon. DSc, and His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, the Hon. Mrs Primrose Campbell DL.

Other distinguished guests included the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Dr Alex Goodwin; His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset, Philip Warr DL; and members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Local recipients included:

Receiving the Long Service and Good Conduct medal for 20 years of service

WM Sam Humphrey (Salisbury)

CFO Commendations

FF Sam Edwards (Salisbury) – In recognition of his commitment, dedication and support to the Fire Fighters Charity.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole QFSM said: “Our annual awards ceremony is one of the most important dates in the Service calendar. It allows us to celebrate the achievements of colleagues from across all parts of our organisation, from long service to delivering key pieces of work. We also acknowledge acts of bravery by both staff and members of the public.”

He added: “A vital element of the ceremony for me is giving personal thanks to families and friends, whose support is so essential to our staff and the work they do for the Service, and to recognise the positive impact of employers who allow their staff to be on-call firefighters. We could not do what we do without them.”

Brett Skelton, National Account Manager at event sponsor Fireblitz, said: “It was a pleasure to attend and sponsor the Dorset & Wiltshire annual Service awards, the afternoon and atmosphere was excellent and vibrant, and it was great seeing the dedication and courage shown by those who had received their awards. They are a great credit to the Service.”

Jeremy Keefe, Chief Executive Officer of event sponsor Kubus, said: “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and are honoured to support an event that celebrates the dedication of those who protect and serve our communities. Their resilience, teamwork and commitment to excellence embody the values that we greatly admire and share. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the exceptional people whose commitment, professionalism and service make a real difference every day. On behalf of Kubus Group, I would like to congratulate all the recipients and nominees for their achievements.”

Andy Kerr, Principal Client Director & Sector Lead of event sponsor NEC SWS, said: “NEC are delighted to continue our support for DWFRS, and the celebration of the outstanding performance by all the nominees for this year’s awards.”

Details of medal and award recipients can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/awards-ceremony-2026