Staff story

WYFRS to Honour Long-Serving Colleagues at Prestigious Ceremony

40 colleagues from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) will be formally recognised for their combined 890 years of dedication to the communities of West Yorkshire at a ceremonial event on the afternoon of Saturday 13th September.

The Long Service Awards Ceremony will take place in the historic Piece Hall in Halifax, celebrating colleagues who have reached 20, 30 and 40 years of service. Awards and medals will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson, Chief Fire Officer John Roberts, and representatives of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority. Family and friends will join the celebration, which marks one of the most prestigious events in the Service’s calendar.

Long Service Awards 2024

Returning to the Piece Hall for a third consecutive year, the ceremony recognises the professionalism and commitment of both operational and non-operational staff across the Service.

Chief Fire Officer John Roberts said “West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service could not survive without its wonderful staff, and our Long Service Awards provide them, and their family and friends, with an opportunity to look back and celebrate their many years of fantastic service.

“I’m really pleased we’re back at the Piece Hall this year, and that we can invite the public to come along and meet our crews and see the work we do.”

Chair of the Fire Authority Darren O’Donovan said, “This event provides a unique opportunity for the Fire Authority and the wider community to pay tribute to those long serving individuals whose professionalism and dedication to duty is to be applauded.”

Ahead of the ceremony at 2pm, members of the public are invited to attend the Piece Hall from 10am to meet fire crews and explore a range of vehicles and equipment. Representatives from the Fire Fighters Charity will also be on hand to speak with visitors. 

The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted by Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to honour those who have given long and meritorious service. The medal continues to be awarded on behalf of His Majesty the King. Recipients must have completed 20 years of service with certified good character and conduct. In 2022, additional clasps for 30 and 40 years of service were introduced, worn on the ribbon of the original medal.

In addition to the national medal, WYFRS presents its own Long Service Awards. Personnel reaching 20 years of service receive a silver lapel badge and framed certificate. Those reaching 30 years receive a gold lapel badge and certificate, and those marking 40 years are presented with an engraved cut glass gift and framed certificate. These awards reflect the Service’s deep appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of all its staff.

The ceremony will feature music from the internationally renowned West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Band, which performs at key events including the Remembrance Day at the Menin Gate in Ypres.