Volunteers from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were celebrated for their dedication and impact at a special recognition evening hosted by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) on Tuesday 2 June.
Now in its fourth year, the event, held during Volunteers’ Week, brought together volunteers, their families, fire service colleagues and community leaders at HIWFRS Headquarters in Eastleigh for an evening of appreciation and shared stories.
HIWFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rob Cole and Volunteer Programme Manager Lee Joss opened the event with a warm welcome, before volunteers took to the floor to share personal reflections on their experiences. Their stories highlighted the wide-ranging projects they support and the vital role they play in strengthening communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Community volunteers Deb Dargue and Tracey Van Leeuween who regularly deliver Home Fire Safety Visits to vulnerable members of the community said:
“On many occasions we visit people who haven’t seen anyone for days or even weeks and as volunteers we have the time to give them so they can feel seen, heard and safe in their own homes.
“We love being able to help people and enable them to feel safe in their own homes for as long as possible.”
Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor Will Sammes said:
“We often underestimate the value of good guidance, basic life skills and the right role models in shaping young, vulnerable minds.
Whether it is making already bright stars reach their full potential or turning the lives around of those who have no head start in life; it gives me no greater pride than seeing the progression of these children through the cadet programme.”
HIWFRS Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward then introduced a thank you video from the HIWFRS Fire Cadets who paid tribute to all the Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors who help to run the programme.
Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward said:
“The effort and enthusiasm of our Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors never ceases to amaze me. Their drive to ensure the young people achieve is commendable. On behalf of the Fire Cadet team, thank you for your passion, dedication and for being you.”
The HIWFRS Volunteer Programme is now in its 17th year, and the Service currently has around 100 volunteers including members of the community, current operational firefighters, retired firefighters and ex-firefighters. Over the last year (1 April 2025-31 March 2026) HIWFRS volunteers have given 6,349 hours of their time to support the Service and the wider community.
The volunteers support HIWFRS in a variety of roles, from helping to run the Fire Cadet units to promoting fire safety at community events. Our volunteers also help with New Forest wildfire prevention patrols, acting as casualties during training exercises and many other tasks.
Special badges to mark the length of Service of some of our volunteers were presented by Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire Lena Samuels during the ceremony.
Last year a new volunteer recognition award was created in honour of former Fire Cadet Instructor Kevin Morrison, who gave 26 years of service to the Ringwood Fire Cadet unit. This year’s ‘Kevin Morrison Fire Cadet Instructor of the Year’ trophy was presented to Lee Parrotte, for embodying the Service values and positively inspiring young people in the community through their actions and behaviours.
Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor Lee Parrotte from the Sandown cadet unit said:
“I want to say a massive thank you for this award. It’s truly unexpected and a huge honour. For me, it has always been about contributing to help young people and supporting the local community.”
HIWFRS Volunteer Programme Manager Lee Joss said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers! It’s such a privilege to work with people who give their time so willingly and selflessly. Our volunteers are truly inspirational and their enthusiasm to assist no matter how large or small the task is admirable.”
HIWFRS Head of Prevention Karen Farr closed the proceedings with a final thank you to all the volunteers:
“I’m always impressed by the passion, diligence and willingness shown by our volunteers to dedicate their time so freely to the service of others. They have a huge passion and heart to make life better for others and to make a difference.
I want to say thank you to every one of our volunteers for having the heart and passion to volunteer for our organisation. Each one of you is valued and appreciated.”
HIWFRS Partners also attended the evening including Community Interest Company 3SFire, who continually support the HIWFRS Fire Cadets programme.
