Fire service staff from across the county, including Ross-on-Wye and Fownhope, received awards at the HWFRS Herefordshire Medals and Awards Ceremony recently.

The event, which was held at Hereford Town Hall, honoured staff for their heroic actions, long service and outstanding achievements.

Among those receiving awards were a group of firefighters who were recognised for their actions in March 2019 when they rescued a four-year-old boy from the River Wye. Their swift actions and the CPR they performed meant the young boy survived.

Group Commander James Banks, crew from Ross-on-Wye, and three members of staff from West Mercia Police, also received Chief Fire Officer’s Certificates of Commendation for working together to successfully locate a vulnerable missing person.

Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis, who presented many of the awards, told the Ross Gazette: “It’s been a pleasure to present staff with their accolades, which were all very well deserved.”

“I’d like to thank all of the recipients for their continued dedication, professionalism and hard work which help us to protect our communities in their time of need.”

Eleven members of staff received awards for their long service which were presented, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, by the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, The Dowager Countess of Darnley.

Caption Watch Commander Matt Ripley from Ross-on-Wye Fire Station receives his certificate of commendation from Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis, watched by colleague Firefighter Adam Lockley-Holder.