Coventry fire-fighters were part of a great success for the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service at the latest meeting in London of the Asian Fire Service Association, which promotes diversity across all Fire and Rescue Services. Coventry stations were recognized as making a major contribution to reducing health inequalities, along with the Ekta-Unity Group and the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Philip Hales received the award on behalf of Coventry colleagues.
Then long-serving Paul Guyver, based at Canley Fire Station, was nominated for an award recognizing his many years of charitable work.
The West Midlands Service overall had further enormous success. Area Commander Sarah Warmes was recognized as “Woman of the Year” for her constant efforts to improve working conditions and diversity. Aghia Pal was named as “Man of the Year” for his gallant work overseas with the International Search and Rescue team. His latest charity project is taking 25 people to climb Kilimanjaro in February 2017 to raise over £50,000 for mothers and their new born babies in Kenya.
Then the whole West Midlands Service received the “Shining Light” award as the outstanding Service in the entire country for its contribution to the diversity, inclusion, cohesion and equality (DICE) agenda. That agenda was backed in a powerful speech by the Right Honourable Brandon Lewis, MP, the Fire and Police Minister.
Such success is, I understand, unprecedented and, as a proud member of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, I was thrilled to be there. The Service works for the public in so many ways, including its excellent “Safe and Well” visits, and it is an personal honour to be associated with such devoted men and women. We are all so lucky to have them looking after us.
Only one problem- the whole hotel had to be urgently evacuated because of a fire alarm. A truly unforgettable occasion!
Words by Cllr. David Skinner (Conservative)
