Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service up for six national honours

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been shortlisted as a finalist in six categories at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards, including Emergency Service of the Year.

Organised by FIRE Magazine, the national awards celebrate the people, teams, organisations and initiatives making an important contribution to fire and emergency services. This year’s entries showcase achievements in operational excellence, learning from major incidents, innovation, partnership working, firefighter health, inclusion, and professional development.

A record number of nominations were submitted across 17 categories this year. Cheshire’s six shortlisted entries are:

  • Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service: Emergency Service of the Year

  • Cheshire Water Safety Partnership: Collaboration of the Year

  • Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service: Training Provider of the Year

  • Head of Communications & Engagement, Mark Shone: Most Influential LGBTQIA+ Individual in Fire

  • Resource and Governance Officer, Isobel Sykes: Outstanding Contributions to the Fire and Rescue Service

  • Administration Assistant, Rachel Dinsmore: Youth Champion of the Year

A panel of senior leaders and experienced professionals will judge the awards, bringing expertise in fire and rescue, regulation, organisational culture, inclusion, aviation firefighting, and national leadership.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Alex Waller said: “I am incredibly proud of everything we do to keep people across Cheshire, Halton, and Warrington safe. We are always looking for ways to improve, so it is fantastic to see our work recognised at these national awards.”

This recognition follows this year’s excellent HMICFRS inspection results; when the service became the first fire and rescue service in the country to be rated Outstanding for the way it leads people.

The six nominations reflect the dedication and impact of colleagues and partners who make a difference every day. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 27 November.