Earlier this week, in front of his colleagues and peers, Green Watch’s Max Gibbs was presented with a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation award for his outstanding professionalism and lifesaving actions.
The award was presented by Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, who praised Max for his calmness, resilience and exceptional performance during a challenging and highly pressurised incident.
In the early hours of a September morning last year, a significant fire occurred in a nearby county prompting 24 emergency 999 calls, and due to the partnership arrangements in place, a number of these calls came into the HIWFRS Control Room.
One of these calls was answered by Max, who was faced with an extremely distressing situation with conditions rapidly deteriorating.
Max, who joined HIWFRS less than a year ago, provided exceptional Fire Survival Guidance, remaining calm and composed while delivering clear, reassuring and lifesaving instructions.
For 40 minutes, Max stayed on the call, offering continual support and guidance until the family was ultimately rescued by fire crews via a ladder. His clear communication, steady reassurance and professional judgement played a critical role in helping to keep the family safe under extreme circumstances.
Station Manager Mike Carpenter said:
“I am very proud of the actions Max took on that call, especially considering he was so early into his career with us in Control.
“Fire survival guidance calls are some of the most challenging calls we take, but his calm and professional manner directly influenced the successful outcome for the family involved in this incident, and he thoroughly deserves his CFO Commendation.
“Well done Max!”
Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton said:
“Max’s actions during this incident were truly outstanding.
“In an exceptionally challenging and distressing situation, he demonstrated remarkable calmness, compassion and professionalism, providing vital fire survival guidance that directly contributed to saving lives.
“That he delivered this level of performance so early in his career makes his achievement even more impressive.
“It was a privilege to recognise Max among his peers today and he is thoroughly deserving of this Chief Fire Officer Commendation. This truly is operational excellence at its best.”
