Local firefighter’s dedicated service honoured

The dedication of firefighters who have each served 20 exemplary years with the Service was officially recognised at a ceremony at Eaton Hall, Chester, recently.

The Long Service Good Conduct medal was presented to 13 serving firefighters by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs.

One of those recipients was Poynton resident, Watch Manager Kieran Merriman.

Since joining the Service he has worked steadily through the ranks and was appointed as Crew Manager for a period of two years.  Following this he was appointed as Watch Manager, a post he has held for over seven years.

Kieran has received several aspects of recognition over the years, including a certificate of outstanding performance from the Chief Fire Officer for his actions in saving the life of an elderly lady in a house fire.  He received further recognition for his bravery when tackling a male who attempted to commit suicide with the use of petrol.  Following this incident Kieran received hospital treatment.  The male concerned was taken to hospital and treated for his burns and subsequently and happily made a full recovery.  More recently Kieran has received a Service Star award in 2017 for his pioneering work with the use of social media.  Additionally, just before Christmas, he received personal recognition from the Chief Fire Officer for his actions whilst off duty in helping a lady who had fallen and fractured her leg.

Others receiving their awards at Eaton Hall were Station Manager Matt Barlow, Station Manager Neil McElroy, Station Manager Ian Pugh, Watch Manager Jason Lyth, Watch Manager Andrew Scott, Watch Manager Paul Williams, Watch Manager Jon Woolley, Firefighter Matthew Lewis, Firefighter Paul Long, Firefighter Richard McGrorey, Firefighter Paul O’Brien  and Firefighter Stephen Tucker have all made a significant difference and held an exemplary career with the Service.

They all received a medal with a long and proud history dating back over 60 years -it was instigated by the then Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, who supported an award for Fire and Rescue Service personnel who had successfully completed twenty years’ service.  A Royal Warrant was approved by Her Majesty the Queen and an announcement was made in the House of Commons by Winston Churchill on June 1^st 1954, accompanied by a White Paper giving the terms of the Warrant.

The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is hand-stamped with the recipient’s name and awarded to those individuals who have completed twenty years’ exemplary service.