We held a volunteer recognition evening last night (3 June) to thank volunteers for their contribution to the Service.
Now in its third year, the timely event held during Volunteers’ Week, brought together volunteers and their families with HIWFRS colleagues and dignitaries for an evening of celebration and thanks at our headquarters in Eastleigh.
After a warm welcome from Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Shantha Dickinson and Volunteer Programme Manager Lee Joss, some of the volunteers, Alex Band, Simon Thresher, Tracey Cain and Dom Crouzieres shared their reflections on what volunteering with HIWFRS means to them and all the projects they’ve been involved in.
Volunteer Alex Band said:
“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It’s a way to contribute to something bigger than yourself which is incredibly rewarding. I feel very proud to wear the Service volunteer uniform and I’d encourage everyone to give volunteering a go.”
Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructor Tracey Cain said:
“As a volunteer, it’s a real honour to be united by a shared commitment, the desire to make a difference. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’ve found a second family based on teamwork, positivity and helping others.”
Fire Cadet Manager Clair Hayward then introduced a thank you video from the Fire Cadets who paid tribute to all the Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors who help to run the programme.
Clair said:
“The effort and enthusiasm of our volunteers never fails to amaze me, and their commitment is commendable.”
The HIWFRS Volunteer Programme is now in its 15th year, and the Service currently has around a hundred volunteers including members of the community, current operational firefighters, retired firefighters and ex-firefighters. 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 Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire Nigel Atkinson, Esq. during the ceremony. The Beat 44 Police and Fire wellbeing choir also kept the volunteers and other guests entertained with several upbeat songs, adding to the celebratory feel of the evening.
This year a new volunteer recognition award was created in honour of Fire Cadet Instructor Kevin Morrison, who will be leaving his longstanding role after 26 years of service to the Ringwood Fire Cadet Unit.
Each year, the new ‘Kevin Morrison Fire Cadet Instructor of the Year’ trophy will now be presented to a Fire Cadet Instructor who has embodied the Service values; and who through their actions and behaviours, has positively inspired young people in the community.
Children and Young People Delivery Manager Joanna Gregory, who announced the introduction of the new award said:
“Our hope is that this award will represent everything that you have stood for and selflessly given over your 26 years of service, and that the impacts of your passion and dedication will continue to be felt within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Cadets for many more years to come.”
The first ever trophy was then presented to Lead Fire Cadet Instructor Emily Frith for her ‘incredible levels of personal resilience, admirable leadership qualities and calm and caring nature’ at the Gosport Fire Cadet unit.
Volunteer Programme Manager Lee Joss said:
“It’s an honour and a privilege to work with our inspirational volunteers who give their time so willingly and selflessly to help both the Service and their community. Their willingness and enthusiasm to assist no matter how large or small the task is admirable. My thanks to them all!”
Head of Prevention Karen Farr closed the proceedings with a final and heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers:
“I am incredibly proud of our volunteers who work with passion and diligence to support the development of young people and make life safer for vulnerable people in our communities.
“Thank you to every one of our volunteers for the time you give so willingly and for having the heart and the passion to volunteer for us as a Service for our communities. We could not do what we do without you all.”
Find out more about our Volunteers Programme
