20 Apr 2010

Community Fire Safety Technician Officer Charlie Cartwright receives the High Sheriff Good Citizen Award

Shropshire firefighters and a fire control operator were praised for their dedicated service during a special presentation on March 31 of Long Service and Good Conduct Medals by the Shropshire Lord Lieutenant, Algernon Heber-Percy.

He thanked them for their loyalty and bravery in carrying out service to the community and praised families for their support.

"I don't believe we give our emergency services enough thanks. It is only when we get into a spot of bother that we really appreciate what they do. In our heart of hearts we are lucky to have such a professional service in Shropshire."

Receiving the High Sheriff Good Citizen Award was Community Fire Safety Technician Officer Charlie Cartwright, who is also a retained firefighter in both Newport and Shrewsbury.

The award, made by High Sheriff Anna Turner, was for his "substantial contribution" to society and for making a real difference to the safety and well being of others.

A first responder for the ambulance service, Charlie also carries out first aid and defibrillator training for the brigade. He was praised for delivering a first class service "often working far and above his contracted hours" liaising with county schools, training young people, new recruits and firefighters.
He is also involved in many fundraising events on behalf of first responders and the fire service benevolent fund.

Clun firefighters who have carried out numerous charity events raising £5,500 won the Telent Charity Shield - an annual award for those making an outstanding contribution to charity.

Clun firefighters received the Telent Charity Shield from Dharminder Thiara for their charity work
They took part in car washes, a sponsored walk along the whole of Offa's Dyke, rowed the "channel and back" on a rowing machine and were stewards at the Green Man festival. Charities benefiting from their efforts were the Firefighters Charity, Air Ambulance, Community First Responders and Stone House Hospital.

"It is a fantastic effort by a committed group of people who are always willing to put others before themselves and it is with great pride that Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has nominated Clun Fire Station for this award," said Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Redmond.

Presenting the award on behalf of Telent was project manager Dharminder Thiara. He said: "I'm delighted and honoured to present this award. Charity work is close to my heart and fundraising part of my faith. As a human being it brings us more closer to one another. We can feel other people's pain and help them when they need it."

Fire authority chairman Stuart West, who presented miniature medals to wives and partners, thanked them for their valuable support which was an important contribution to the brigade.

Receiving the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals at the ceremony held at Telford Central fire station were: Shrewsbury Fire Control watch manager Carol Sharratt; Temporary Watch Manager at Tweedale Fire Station Alan Wilson; Retained Ellesmere firefighter Robert Dowley; and Retained Support Development Officer Mac Harris, based at the training and development centre at Telford Central fire station, who lives in Shrewsbury.