Meeting to be held on Monday 15 December 2025
Contact for further information – Stephanie Collinson, Assistant Director Communications and Engagement
Tel: 01772 866787
Executive SummaryFollowing the Service’s annual staff celebration event on 20 November, the report sets out staff recognition activity and individuals celebrated for a variety of achievements in 2025.
Recommendation(s)The Authority is requested to note and endorse the report and acknowledge the achievements of award recipients.
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On Thursday 20 November 2025, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service marked the exceptional contributions of some of its most dedicated and talented staff at a celebration event held at Mytton Fold Hotel in Langho.
As part of the Service’s staff recognition activity this year, more than 50 people were honoured with Long Service Good Conduct Awards, Star Awards, Chief Fire Officer's Commendations, Bravery Awards, Academic Achievements and Humanitarian Medals.
All award recipients are invited to the celebration event or can choose to receive their award locally. Below is a summary of all awards presented in 2025.
In 2025, 37 Long Service Good Conduct Awards were awarded for long and meritorious service:
20 years
· Jonny Ashton, Group Manager
· Daniel Bennett, Stores Assistant and Firefighter
· Adam Coates, Crew Manager
· Benjamin Craze, Premises Support
· Darren Eales, Watch Manager and On-Call Support Team Leader
· Caroline Hooson, Youth Engagement Coordinator, The King’s Trust
· Mark Hoyle, Watch Manager
· Daniel Lord, Crew Manager
· Matthew Lune, Operations Manager, North West Fire Control
· Paula Maudsley, Receptionist and Administration Support
· Matthew Midgley, Crew Manager
· Daniel Osborn, Crew Manager
· Samantha Pink, Assistant Chief Fire Officer
· Paul Robson, Firefighter
· Chris Rose, Firefighter
· Rod Steele, Station Manager
· Chris West, Acting Group Manager
· Gregory Wright, Senior Stores Assistant
30 years
· Iftikhar Ahmed, Crew Manager
· Carla Benaron, Fire Safety Inspector
· David Brown, Crew Manager
· David Cook, Firefighter
· Mark Cookson, Watch Manager and Drone Pilot
· Mark Corless, Firefighter
· David Dumigan, Watch Manager and Incident Intelligence Officer
· Kelvin Emmett, Crew Manager
· David Gilmore, Crew Manager
· John Hart, Firefighter
· Lister Haworth, Station Manager
· Lloyd Kellett, Firefighter
· Neil Taylor, Area Manager
· Lee Wade, Firefighter
35 years
· Stephen Brown, Watch Manager
· Michael Farmer, Firefighter
· Stuart Howarth, Stores Assistant
· Tim Murrell, Drone Manager
45 years
· Keith Bridge, Community Safety Advisor
The Star Awards recognise members of staff nominated by their peers for exemplifying the Service’s STRIVE values and the national code of ethics for fire and rescue services. They highlight the people making a real difference to their communities and their colleagues. There are multiple categories and the winners are chosen by a panel of judges comprising award winners from the previous year.
In 2025, there were 136 nominations and the winners were:
· Northern Star Award: Tom Dicketts, Fire Safety Manager.
· Southern and Leadership and Development Centre Star Award: Jack Matthews, Crew Manager.
· Central and Service Headquarters Star Award: Andrea Box, Senior Administrator.
· Eastern Star Award: Mark Schofield, Crew Manager/On-Call Support Officer.
· Western Star Award: Mike Hewitt, Crew Manager.
· Pennine Star Award: Christian Lopez, Watch Manager.
· On-Call Firefighter of the Year: Stephen Brown, Watch Manager.
· On-Call Employer of the Year: Leyland Trucks Ltd.
· Rising Star Award: Amanda Anstey, Service Fitness Advisor.
· Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Star Award: Ollie Pye, Watch Manager.
· Fundraiser of the Year: Mark Fletcher, Firefighter.
· Service Management Team Award for an Outstanding Star: Thomas Cookson, Group Manager.
· Team of the Year: Organisational Assurance Team - Tom Powell, Emma Price, Ian Nelson, Paul Harrison and Gail Hornby Elliot
The chief fire officer gives personal commendations for acts of courage and determination that reflect the highest levels of commitment to serving communities.
· Scott Harris, Watch Manager – Bravery Award
On 7 September 2024, whilst off duty, Scott demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of a violent and life-threatening incident at Preston Railway Station in which a police officer was stabbed. He intervened, assisting officers in disarming the offender, and provided lifesaving first aid to the injured officer before going on to support the criminal justice process.
The Service celebrated those who have successfully completed high-level academic qualifications alongside demanding job roles, reflecting outstanding commitment to personal development:
· Beth Simpson, HR Advisor - Level 7 Chartered Institute of Personnel Development Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management.
· Beccy Barr, Firefighter - Master of Science in Disaster Management. Posthumously awarded with Distinction at Bournemouth University’s Disaster Management Centre.
Four firefighters, along with search and rescue dog Davey, were recognised for their efforts as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team, deployed in 2023 to an earthquake site in Morocco:
· Watch Managers Lindsay Sielski and Wayne Ward
· Crew Manager Ian McGee
· Firefighter Richard Cutler
The Humanitarian Medal, newly introduced by King Charles III, honours emergency and aid workers in disasters and conflicts abroad and in the UK. The team were presented with their medals by the chief fire officer at Chorley Fire Station.
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There is a specific category in the Star Awards for an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Star. This is awarded to an individual or team that is committed to valuing and understanding equality, diversity, and inclusion; standing against all forms of discrimination; and celebrating difference.
Data Protection (GDPR)
Will the proposal(s) involve the processing of personal data? Y/N
If the answer is yes, please contact a member of the Democratic Services Team to assist with the appropriate exemption clause for confidential consideration under part 2 of the agenda.
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Recognition activity is financed within existing departmental budgets.
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Reason for inclusion in Part 2 if appropriate: Not applicable.