Joanne Shippey is honored for saving a man from a burning house while off duty at an award ceremony.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue held Excellence Awards to honor firefighters and staff. People at various career stages were recognized.
Joanne noticed smoke next door at a family gathering last year. She quickly took charge and had someone call 999. Joanne checked the house and tried to get inside.
The homeowner’s son arrived after Alexa called him about his dad. Jo forced the door open, but thick smoke pushed her back. She went in with a relative and they found the man, pulling him out safely. Although breathing but unconscious, he was sent to the hospital.
Sadly, the man later died. However, his family felt grateful to say goodbye due to Joanne’s actions.
Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren spoke highly of her. He stated that the commendation recognizes bravery or life-saving acts. Jo put herself at risk, and her calm actions impressed her family, as they appreciated her keeping kids away from the scene. They, along with the service, are proud.
The awards were held at the Delta Hotel in Huntingdon. The achievements of staff were celebrated, and those with 20+ years of service were honored.
Mr. Warren hosted the ceremony, assisted by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jon Anderson. Hayley Douglas and Stuart Smith also helped, and 150 guests were present.
Julie Spence, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, gave medals recognizing 20 years of fire service for good conduct. She also presented long service awards.
Mr. Warren said the awards are highlights. They recognize staff work and commitment, and he praised their dedication every day. He believes Cambridgeshire’s team is special, and that the awards show only a small portion of their hard work.
He also thanked the event sponsors. Tony Bird, Ben Anstee, Christine Warren, Daniel Thacker, Jeff Whitlam, Louise Halsall, Philip Coates, Simon Thompson, and Tirzah Warton each received long service medals. Each has served for more than two decades in public service to the fire and rescue service.
Nicky Hoad and Nicola Smith, and Tim Carr, Phil Pilbeam, and Ray Constant, also achieved 20 years of service. Graham George, Bob Smith, Andy Jones, and Gary Reach completed 30 years.
Alex Chrysanthou, Chris Strickland, Karen Garrard, and Philip Pilbeam won the Chair’s Award. This recognizes 25 years or more of service, and these staff members have retired or left the service.
Lily Wilkanowski won an Excellence Award for consistently exceeding expectations. Laura Boucher & Kelly Addy also won for passionately improving learning and development.
Lucy Tomlinson won for station event organizing. George Kidd improved database processes, and Kevin Partridge supported the Training Centre well for 21 years.
The Training Centre Team also received an award for delivering the first internal firefighter course. Paul Clarke, Odette Tattersall and Sharon Ward developed the Firebreak Scheme.
Kathleen Bowman and PC Nick Southern won for safety workshops. Fenland District Council won an external award for letting a firefighter respond from work.
Jenny Wright from Peterborough won an award. She helps the fire service with road safety. Joanne Shippey received the bravery commendation.
Owain Collard won the Silver Axe Award. Max Mitzman, Robin Ellis, and Charlie Hadden also took home Silver Axe Awards, shining in recruit training.