Watch Manager Kevin Morrison, 59, has today (31 July) won the BBC Radio Solent Community Heroes Services Award for his work with the young people of Hampshire.
Serving at Ringwood Fire Station for more than 40 years, Kevin – alongside four other firefighters – were tasked with bringing down antisocial behaviour and other problems in the community.
The Young Firefighters Association (YFA) was founded in May 1999, taking place every Friday evening as this was when most of the problems occurred.
At the time, the YFA was the only group for young people of its kind in the South and has since developed nationally.
The radio station’s annual awards celebrate those who have been nominated in recognition of their hard work and how that goes to make local communities a better place.
In particular, the Services Award is presented to a member of the emergency services for commitment to their profession.
The winner was picked by judges John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation, BBC Radio Solent’s Managing Editor Sarah Miller, and John Geden, former army captain and police Detective Chief Inspector.
The team originally took on a group of 13-year-olds from Ringwood and taught them lots of skills a firefighter uses on a daily basis, including road and fire safety, first aid, teamwork and leadership skills, improving your health and wellbeing, taking part in community activities and regularly organising fundraising events.
The goal was to provide fun and challenging opportunities for young people to reach their full potential and contribute to a safer, stronger and healthier community.
The YFA, 20 years on, is now known as the Fire Cadets, and cohorts are regularly held every year at fire stations across Hampshire for 13 to 17-year-olds.
Some young people that Kevin taught himself have even grown to become firefighters or cadet leaders themselves.
Watch Manager Kevin Morrison said,
“I’d like to thank Dan and everyone involved for the nomination. This award was an honour and a surprise to receive.
“The YFA is a team effort, and it’s through teamwork that has made the group such a shining success.”
Area Manager Dan Tasker, who nominated Kevin for this award, said,
“we’re incredibly proud of Kevin and the work he has done for the Service in his 40-year career, but also for the work he has done for his community.
“It’s indicative of just how many of our on-call staff give up their time for the people of Hampshire, for charities and other emergency services.
“This award represents all those people who from the goodness of their heart give up their time, even more so now during COVID-19.”
Station Commander of Ringwood, Andy Weeks said,
“it’s amazing that Kevin has received this award in recognition of his hard work for HFRS and his local community.
“This award is rightly deserved for Kevin and his family who also go above and beyond for the people of Ringwood.”
Judge John Geden said,
“well deserved Kevin, it’s fantastic work. You do a huge amount for your local community, more than can be written on a piece of paper.
“A very well done and well-deserved award.”
Kevin will be retiring from the Service in September this year, having completed an incredible 40-year service.
You can learn more about our Fire Cadets on our website.