Long Service GMFRS

GMFRS celebrates the dedication, commitment and excellence of staff and volunteers


Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) celebrated the invaluable contribution of its staff and volunteers at its latest Long Service and Good Conduct Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday 29 October 2025, at the Training and Safety Centre in Bury.  

The event honoured 25 members of staff and three volunteers, recognising a remarkable 560 years of combined service and an impressive 2,563 volunteering hours. These figures reflect the unwavering dedication and resilience of individuals who have played a vital role in keeping the people and communities of Greater Manchester safe. 

As a special addition to the event, five colleagues were recognised for receiving the prestigious King’s Humanitarian Medal, awarded for exceptional service that extends beyond local communities. This rare honour added an extra meaningful moment to the evening’s celebrations. 

The ceremony featured the presentation of several distinguished awards including:

  • Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Clasp
  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 20, 30 and 40 years Long Service Award trophy 
  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Volunteer Achievement pin badge
  • The King’s Humanitarian Medal 

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB, attended the event to present the Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct 20 years’ service Medal and King’s Humanitarian Medal on behalf of the King. 

The Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, was also in attendance to present the GMFRS Volunteer Achievement pin badge, with Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel presenting all other awards.  

Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said:  

“Our recognition and awards events are an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the public service, resilience and dedication of our workforce. The Long Service and Good Conduct Award, which is presented on behalf of the King by the Lord Lieutenant recognises operational service of firefighters.
“At the event we were delighted to issue awards to firefighters who had completed 20 and 30 years of service. The Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester also presented awards to volunteers for achieving 5 and 10 years of selfless service, supporting us in so many ways, including as cadet leaders, prevention advisors and as 'casualties' during realistic training scenarios.
“There was a particularly proud moment at this ceremony, when the Lord Lieutenant presented the King's Humanitarian Medal to five of our firefighters, who had responded so bravely as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team to the devastating earthquake in Morocco in 2023. The reach of our organisation goes far beyond our geographical boundaries.”

For a full list of award recipients email news@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

Article Published: 10/11/2025 12:53 PM