Honours for Littlehampton and East Preston firefighters

Simon Austin, Robert Jackson, Terry Matthews and Jon Mays were all presented with long service and good conduct medals by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex Susan Pyper, for their 20 years with the fire service.

The men all serve at either East Preston fire station or Littlehampton fire station.

Littlehampton Fire Station manager Ian Paine said the medals were given for the ‘devotion’ and ‘loyalty’ shown by the men.

He said: “It is an honour to be here this evening, celebrating and recognising individuals and teams for their dedication to making West Sussex a safer place to live, work and visit.

“I am proud of each and every one of our dedicated and highly skilled workforce.”

Rob joined Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in September 1991 and was promoted to watch commander in 2002. In 2008 Rob transferred to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and was based in Littlehampton. During his time in the service he attended The Windsor Castle fire in 1992 and was in charge of the water rescue team of the 2007 Buckingham flooding, where they rescued at least 50 people in the operation.

He also received a police commendation for taking part in a water rescue involving children. Rob, a keen sailor and dancer in his spare time, hopes to follow in his father Mike’s footsteps, who achieved 38 years’ service.

Simon, known as ‘Ozzy’, joined in April, 1992 at East Preston, where he served for 21 years before retiring.

He was one of those who tackled the blaze at Ford Prison, following wide-spread riots in the jail, on New Year’s Eve, 2010.

It was a hard decision for him to leave the fire service after so many years, but now having two young children, Eleanor and Zachary, he felt it was time for him to concentrate on his family.

Terry joined West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the first time, in 1976 but left in 1984. He then enrolled with the lifeboat charity RNLI, before returning as a firefighter in 1992, at Littlehampton.

Terry later moved on to East Preston and now serves as a crew commander.

Jon joined as a retained firefighter at East Preston in October, 1991. He progressed through the roles to become station officer and continues to maintain this role today.

Outside the service, he enjoys keeping fit and sports. He has completed four Ironman UK events, several marathons and many extreme cross-country events like ‘Tough Guy’ and ‘Brutal Series’.

Jon also enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda and their three children, Nathan, Hannah and Kate.