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Local firefighters honoured for their life saving work
28/04/2022
Firefighters from Banbury, Hook Norton and Deddington recognised at prestigious awards ceremony
Local firefighters have been honoured for their commitment and service at a prestigious event at Blenheim Palace. On Tuesday evening representatives from Banbury, Hook Norton and Deddington Fire Stations were presented with awards in recognition of the life-saving work they undertake.
Elven firefighters received ‘Her Majesty, The Queen’s Long Service and Good Conduct’ medals, presented by Oxfordshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM.
Five crew members from Deddington were at the event where they were named the Fire Station of the Year. Watch Manager Chris Fenemore said: “[I am] immensely proud of all the hard work and commitment the whole crew at the station have given over the past year.”
The Chief Fire Officer’s Certificate of Commendation was presented to crews from Banbury and Hook Norton in recognition of their prompt actions tackling a house fire whilst carrying out emergency first aid at Winchcombe Farm in Upper Tysoe in January.
The occupants of the property had been made aware of the fire by their smoke alarm sounding. Smoke was billowing out of one of the light fittings in their lounge. The couple thought initially it was an electrical fire.
After calling 999 and evacuating the property they saw the roof was on fire. The owner started to tackle the fire with extinguishers, but suffered a cardiac arrest.
When the crews arrived, they not only had to tackle the fire, but Hook Norton and Banbury firefighters undertook CPR in front of shocked family members and onlookers.
The crews worked tirelessly to stabilise the stricken individual while waiting for the paramedics to arrive, administered lifesaving CPR for more than 20 minutes.
Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “This is an outstanding example of where quick decision making and teamwork has undoubtedly saved a man’s life. It demonstrates the importance of our firefighters having the right skills to provide emergency medical care, and also their ability to react to the situation in front of them. The crews thoroughly deserve this additional recognition for their actions on that day.”
During the ceremony twenty-two firefighters were awarded medals on behalf of The Queen. In total they have provided Oxfordshire residents with over 500 years service.
Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “These awards reflect the service and public’s appreciation and gratitude for each dedicated fire officer’s devotion to duty.
“I am delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of some of our teams, fire cadets and volunteers. It’s beyond comprehension just how many lives our medal and award recipients have collectively impacted during their careers. Congratulations to all on their fantastic achievements.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam