Page 81 - Archived Back Issues

St Florian’s Installation Banquet and Presentation of WCoFF’s Award
Presentation of WCoFF’s Award
The Master, Professor David Bland, presented the Worshipful Company of Firefighters’ Award to the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue team that was deployed to Haiti after it had been ravaged by earthquakes in January this year. There were 61 people in the team, including firefighters from 7 different fire and rescue services together with 2 search dogs. They saved the lives of 4 people including Mia, a 2 year old toddler, and then moved on to the towns of Leogane and Petit Goave to help the local communities that had been cut off since the earthquakes.
The citation stated that the team operated under duress in extreme conditions, often working in buildings during aftershocks. The highly skilled and resourceful team displayed great fortitude, determination and courage in hazardous circumstances. Their actions and professionalism were a credit to the UK Fire and Rescue Service.
The WCoFF’s Award was presented at the St Florian’s Installation
Banquet to Neil Fritzsche, Response Manager from Lincolnshire Fire
and Rescue Service, who was representing all the members of the
UKISAR team. The team had been recommended to receive the Award
by the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, and Peter Holland, President
of CFOA, attended the Banquet to witness the presentation (seen in the picture alongside Sir Ken Knight and Neil Fritzsche). The award ceremony was kindly sponsored through Court Assistant, Steve Neville, by “Interserve Fire & Security”.
This is the second time that the Worshipful Company of Firefighters has made the Award which aims to recognise and honour firefighters who have shown courage, initiative or professionalism or who have taken humanitarian actions for the benefit of mankind. Last year the Award went to the London Fire Brigade for the exceptional way they tackled the fire and saved the College of Arms, the loss of which could have been devastating for the City of London and the nation.
An evening to remember
Celebrating the installation of the new master in the beautiful Cutler’s Hall with its stunning blend of fine paintings, stained glass windows, oak panelling, ancient swords and Arms of past Masters—it received its first Royal Charter from Henry V in
1416—was a delight to all who attended.
The Principle Guest at the dinner was Sir
Alexander (Mike) Graham GBE, former
sheriff (1986/7) and Lord Mayor 1990/1. He was the first member of the Mercers’ company to become an Alderman for over 200 years.
Sir Alexander spoke of the interest he had in seeing a modern company such as the Firefighters, which in his opinion epitomised fellowship in action, grow in stature and profile within the City.
Other guests included Peter Holland, Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and also current President
of CFOA; Captain Graham Pepper, Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners
Past Master, Geoff Morgan, in conversation with Neil Fritzsche and Michael Harper