Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service celebrated bravery at their annual awards ceremony

The event brought together staff from across the Service, members of the public, and local dignitaries to recognise outstanding achievements and commitment to keeping Nottinghamshire’s communities safe.

Among the guests were Chair of the Fire Authority Cllr Audra Wynter, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Nora Senior CBE DL, and High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Ed Attenborough DL.

The evening celebrated individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their roles, highlighting acts of bravery, exceptional service, and amazing contributions to community safety.

Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin DL opened the ceremony by calling it “one of the highlights of the year” and praised colleagues for their long service and exceptional contributions.

Speaking at the event he added: “I am extremely fortunate to work with an amazing group of people, some of which were recognised at the ceremony for going above and beyond their usual duties, as well as those committed and hard-working individuals who received a 20- or 30-year medal.

“This event is one of the highlights of the year for me, but we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support from our sponsors – because of them we were able to put this amazing event on that I am hugely proud of.”

This year’s ceremony on Wednesday November 12 at Nottingham’s Crowne Plaza hotel was the biggest yet, with 190 attendees.

Awards included long-service recognition, distinctions for new firefighters, and special honours for acts of bravery and community support.

Other highlights included:

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award – presented to the LGBTQI+ Proud Friends Network for their impactful LGBTQI+ History Month Video and the results that came with it

Lifetime Achievement Award – presented to Paul Horton for 50 years of voluntary service.

Chief Fire Officer’s Fundraising Trophy – presented to Stapleford Fire Station for raising over £6,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity between April 2024 and April 2025

Frank Swann Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Fire Fighters Charity – presented to Rhonda Stoneman for her outstanding fundraising efforts