Selfless acts of courage and kindness from people across the county were recognised at Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) annual awards ceremony.

The categories at the event, held yesterday (3 November), featured winners from crews and teams within KFRS, as well as members of the public, who have gone above and beyond to make a difference.  

This year’s Special Recognition award was presented to Alan Clifton-Holt, representing The National Farmers Union (NFU), on behalf of the farming community in Kent and Medway, following a challenging year of grass fires and wildfires.  

Ann Millington, KFRS Chief Executive, said: “This summer, our crews and teams faced a significant number of grass fires and wildfires, which required a great deal of time, resources and efforts, and the farming community undoubtably played a vital role in our response.  

“Farmers and landowners demonstrated outstanding partnership and resilience by supporting firefighters during incidents, such as using machinery to create fire breaks and stop flames from spreading, and by maintaining their property responsibly.  

“This joint approach helped to protect people, homes, businesses and the environment, and we extend our sincere thanks to every person who helped.”  

NFU Kent Council Representative Alan Clifton-Holt, who farms near Romney Marsh, said: “It is a big honour to receive this award on behalf of all of the Kent farmers who do amazing work to support our county’s heroic fire fighters.  

“The NFU has a very strong relationship with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and long may that continue as we work together to keep everyone safe."

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway was praised for its proactive response to wildfire prevention and was named in the Local Business of the Year category.  

The other Local Business of the Year was Canterbury Christ Church University, in recognition of its forward-thinking approach to building safety and fire safety compliance.

More than 90 people from KFRS received accolades for their dedication and acts of long service, while other colleagues were honoured at the event for their outstanding contributions to keeping people safe during emergency incidents and through prevention work.  

Crew members from the service’s control room were presented with the Chief Executive Award for their teamwork and professionalism during a significant fire at a former cinema in Canterbury, in February this year.  

The same accolade was given to the team behind KFRS’ Make the Right Call water safety campaign, which aims to educate people on knowing which emergency service to ask for if they see someone struggling in water.  

For in-land water rescues, call 999 and ask for the fire service, or if you are by the coast, ask for the coastguard.  

And, seven technical rescue firefighters, plus KFRS’ search and rescue dog Millie, who were deployed with UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) during major international disasters in Mozambique and Venezuela, received Chief Executive Commendations.  

Ann added: “The winners who have been recognised in this year’s awards are exceptional and dedicated people, who have gone the extra mile to show compassion, innovation, and bravery.  

“Everyone should be incredibly proud of their contributions and actions, which have undoubtably made a difference and helped to keep people safe. We’re incredibly thankful and proud of you all.”