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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