ELEVEN men and one woman from north Essex have been rewarded for their long service to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

The group, who are made up of firefighters and staff, were given awards for 20 years’ service.

The Long Service and Good Conduct medals were handed out to 12 people by Lord Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, during a special ceremony at the Waterfront restaurant, in Chelmsford.

In north Essex, firefighter Michael Lawrence, of Clacton fire station, leading firefighter Martin Sibley, of Colchester fire station, station commander Lee Palfreyman, of Colchester and Tendring Community Command, and station officer Mark Wilby, who lives Brightlingsea and is the service’s breathing apparatus manager, were all commended at the ceremony.

Station officer Mike Sparrow, of Colchester and Tendring Community Command, and his wife Claire, who worked as a senior fire control operator at the service’s headquarters, were both presented with medals.

David Barritt, station commander of Great Baddow fire station, sub officer Andrew Harding, station manager Gary Bishop and firefighter Gary Meadows, all from Chelmsford fire station, and firefighter Mark Roythorne, of Old Harlow fire station, were also recognised for their long service.

Chief Fire Officer David Johnson, who also received his long service medal, said: “Officers like these are the backbone of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service; they serve with pride and dedication.

“This medal recognises their achievement and is presented by us on behalf of the monarch and a grateful community.”

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