Fire Service road safety champion honoured

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service watch manager has been officially presented with the British Empire Medal (BEM) after being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June.

Peter Shields, from Crewe, received his medal  from the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs at a presentation at Warrington Town Hall on Thursday 1st October. 

The award is granted to people who have consistently given a sustained local contribution or innovative high-impact work.

Peter, who is a road safety officer based at the Service headquarters in Winsford, is known throughout the Service as a compassionate and caring professional who has truly made a difference to people’s lives. He is not only the Firefighters Charity coordinator but has also evolved into a welfare officer, known to care and bring compassion to Service staff when they need it most.

Watch Manager Shields said he is proud and humbled to receive the BEM: “I’ve worked for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for nearly 29 years and I am honoured that the Service has nominated me for doing what I always do in my role. My family, who were with me for the presentation, were incredibly proud that I have been given this award.”

Here is Peter's citation in full:

Watch Manager Peter Shields - British Empire Medal

Peter is known throughout the service as a compassionate and caring professional whose tireless efforts benefit many members of staff. He has truly made the difference to people’s lives and is not only the Firefighters’ Charity coordinator but has also evolved into a welfare officer, who is known to care and bring compassion to our staff when they need it most.

For many years Peter has overseen numerous highly successful fundraising events which have raised many thousands of pounds for the organisation. He has worked tirelessly to promote the annual charity car washes at fire stations across Cheshire, which collectively have raised over £42,000 since 2010. In addition and as part of his role as Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Road Safety Officer, Peter ensures that members of the community who attend the car washes are provided with valuable road safety advice.

Peter is integral in the organisation of high-profile open days to engage with communities at fire stations across Cheshire attracting thousands of visitors. Peter also takes part in a team promoting road safety and demonstrating the effects of road traffic collisions. He also sets up stalls selling ice creams, refreshments and hotdogs to raise funds for the Firefighters Charity. Peter created the unique weeklong “Yellow Helmet” event which has raised thousands of pounds over a number of years. Peter also established the long-running Firefighters Charity shop which is open for business and makes fundraising items available to raise money for the charity and promote fire safety.

Peter was instrumental in organising the annual children’s Christmas party and raises significant amounts of money by selling Christmas cards to fire service employees across Cheshire. He was also instrumental in establishing a fire cadet unit at Crewe fire station for local young people aged between 13 and 17 years old. He has dedicated many evenings and hours of his own time in both setting the unit up and delivering the courses on the programme. Through his dedication, the unit has developed to become a well established part of the fire service and respected throughout the local community.

Peter has also organised a wide range of events for the Firefighters Charity including fire engine pulls, street collections, sports days and sponsored ladder climbs. Peter has designed - and handcrafts - a retirement gift of a beautiful chrome ceremonial axe which are given to and cherished by retiring members of staff. He is also frequently on hand to help and assist many bereaved, retired and disabled members and ensures they access the full potential of the Firefighters Charity, often personally transporting them to facilities and functions.

Photo shows: Left - Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Mr David Briggs, Right - Watch Manager Peter Shields

For media information please contact Sarah on 01606 868451, email sarah.dornford-may@cheshirefire.gov.uk

ENDS

Date published: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:45:29 GMT

Last updated: Thursday 02 October 2014