Firefighters in Newcraighall, Liberton and Marionville are among a group who were recently recognised for their dedication and professionalism while protecting their communities.
The 22 staff – who have a combined service of over 440 years – were brought together at the East Service Delivery Area Headquarters in Newbridge on Friday 18 November to receive Long Service Good Conduct medals.
The medals were presented by Alasdair Hay, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to acknowledge their commitment to the service for 20 years.
The firefighters are based across Edinburgh as well as Fife, Central area and the Scottish Borders.
Members of the public were also commended. Anthony McGouldrick and Robert Dale assisted a man who had fallen into the canal in Camelon in June this year.
Both entered the water and managed to keep the unconscious casualty afloat until the emergency services arrived.
Firefighter Ian Hoggins from Dunfermline fire station was also commended for his decisive actions when faced with a road traffic collision involving three young girls in March this year.
A car had collided with the girls when they were crossing a road in Widness, Cheshire.
Firefighter Hoggins stopped to assist and provided vital first response treatment to one of the girls who was unconscious and continued to assist until the arrival of the ambulance.
The girl was released from hospital following treatment.
All three were presented with a Chief Fire Officer Commendation Award.
Those who received their Long Service and Good Conduct medals – which recognise 20 years of service – were Group Manager Martin Riach (Falkirk), Station Managers Russell Bell (Hawick) and Jonathan Miller (Newbridge).
Watch Managers Bryce Crawford (Newbridge), Grant Ferguson (Marionville), Michael Johnston (Newcraighall), Stuart Pollock (Thornton) and Alastair Young (Coldstream) received the same medals.
Also recognised were Crew Managers Vincent Blair (Galashiels), Alistair Keith (Dalkeith), Richard Ogden (Kirkcaldy), and John Taylor (Kirkcaldy), alongside Firefighters Linda Davidson (Linlithgow), Keith Elliot (Hawick), David Kay (Lochgelly), James Kirk (Sighthill), Jonathan Millburn (Dunfermline), Gary Philp (Kirkcaldy) and Warren Stove (Liberton), and Firefighters Control Kathleen Anderson-Ogg (Edinburgh) and Andrew Fenton (Edinburgh).
Also in attendance was East Service Delivery, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer John Miller and Chair of the Board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Pat Watters.
Chief Officer Hay said: “I am delighted to be here in Newbridge today to present these Long Service and Good Conduct medals some of our amazing staff in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“There is absolutely no doubt that every single one of you has earned this recognition – not only for long and loyal commitment to the service, but for an outstanding and exemplary conduct over the past 20 years.
“I meet many different people in my role and there is no doubt whatsoever that firefighters are amongst the most respected individuals, standing on the front line to protect our country and our communities.
“The words I hear regularly are: bravery, commitment … those who are always prepared to go the extra mile to protect the public at times of crisis.
“Every single one of you are the epitome of that spirit. You have devoted yourselves to keeping people safe.
“You are also receiving your Long Service Good Conduct medals after a period of momentous change within the Service, as we merged the former eight legacy services into the largest UK fire service – the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“But you continued to stand on the front line with that unwavering commitment so very typical of our firefighters.
“You are not only a credit to yourselves but to your families, your communities and the organisation – and to me.”
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