Fire-and-rescue-service staff have been honoured for their dedication, bravery and service to the community.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service held its annual Recognition and Achievement Awards Ceremony at Arundel Castle on Wednesday, November 5, which celebrated exceptional individuals and teams.

The ceremony honoured fire service staff who had achieved 20, 30 and 40 years of service, as well as celebrating successes over the last year.

Attending the ceremony with the long-service award recipients and award winners were the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Lady Emma Barnard, High Sheriff of West Sussex Dr Tim Fooks, and West Sussex County Council cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue Duncan Crow.

This year's West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service event was held at Arundel Castle

placeholder image — This year's West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service event was held at Arundel Castle

A fire service spokesperson said: “Among the evening’s award winners was Suzanne Goff who was presented with the Career and Lifetime Achievement Award for her 25 years of service. Suzanne was recognised for her leadership, advocacy for female health, and championing mental health and wellbeing within the service. Her work in operational learning, particularly following the Angel Inn Hotel fire, has helped shape best practice across the sector.

“Also honoured was Lyndon Osgood who received the Exceptional Service Award. As a Service Van Engineer, Lyndon’s innovative approach has saved the service tens of thousands of pounds on upgrading and replacing fire appliances. He has been recognised for his initiative and work ethic which sets a positive example to the rest of his team.

“The Team of the Year Award went to the Targeted Education Team for their inclusive Fire Cadets programme. The team was recognised for the life-changing support they provided to a neurodiverse young person with complex needs which allowed them to participate fully in the programme. The team received high praise from the parents of the young person for their dedication which has had a profound impact on their family life.

“The Bravery Award was presented to Green Watch Chichester, led by Stephen Lintott, for their response to a car submerged in Chichester Canal. Despite freezing conditions, the crew entered deep water to rescue the driver trapped inside the vehicle and performed CPR in an attempt to save her life. The firefighters involved were commended for their swift and courageous actions at this tragic incident.

“The final medal of the evening was presented to Andy Horner who received a British Empire Medal for his longstanding career with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service spanning five decades.”

Mr Crow said it had been an honour to attend the ceremony. “This event never fails to draw out some exceptional stories demonstrating the very best in public service,” he added. “I was delighted to see these individuals receiving the recognition they deserve for their commitment and dedication to keeping West Sussex safe.”

Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball said: “This ceremony is about recognising the people who make our service exceptional. Whether through bravery, innovation, or compassion, every medal recipient and award winner has made a lasting impact on our county and the communities we serve. I am extremely proud and grateful for their dedicated service.”

The full list of award recipients was as follows:-

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (20 years): Christopher Barker; Shaun Beales; Christopher Bowles; Michael Boyd; Matthew Cole; Steven Eames; Brian Evanson; Neil Fairhall; Edward Fox; Jonathan Hicks; Peter Horner; Ian James; Stephen Lintott; Neil Mason; Gavin McCourty; James McGrath; Adam Morris; Rex Robertson; Stuart Smith; Gary Waters.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (30 years): Christine Diver; Stephen Saunders; Peter Sadler.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (40 years): Graham Marchant; British Empire Medal; Andrew Horner.

Commendation Awards: Suzanne Goff (Career/Lifetime Achievement Award); Darren Wickings (Shining Star); Ian Guppy (Shining Star); Helen Solomons (Shining Star); Targeted Education Team (Team of the Year); Chichester College (The Community and Partnership Award); Kevin Wadey, Thomas Oakey, and Henfield RDS (Charity Champion); Michael Graysmark (Volunteer of the Year); Lyndon Osgood (Exceptional Service); Green Watch Chichester – Stephen Lintott, Richard Pullen, Joe Churchill, Edward Hodge & Simon Reed (Bravery).