Young firefighter wins top award

Buy photos » Broadway firefighter Henry Cawdron received the Silver Axe award from Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates and Coun Derek Prodger after being named as trainee of the year. (s)

A YOUNG firefighter based at Broadway Fire Station has been named as the county's top trainee.

Henry Cawdron was presented with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's Silver Axe Award at last Friday's (September 28) medals and awards ceremony held at the Guildhall in Worcester.

During the evening dozens of accolades were handed out to long-serving and outstanding staff as well as certificates and commendations to heroic members of the public.

Marcus Archer from Evesham was presented with a letter of congratulations for attempting to rescue a woman from a fire at her flat in Evesham in June.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates was on hand to present the awards along with Coun Derek Prodger, chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority, David Blakey, deputy lieutenant of Worcestershire, and Penelope Lewis, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire.

Mr Yates said: "It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the efforts and achievements of our staff in this way.

"I am proud to lead a service with such dedicated fire crews and support staff and I’d like to pass on my congratulations to all those who received awards and long service medals.

"I would also like to thank their families, whose support and understanding makes such a difference, but so often goes unnoticed."

Regional news »