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The second award went to the team which
attended the emergency in the city of
Christchurch when the South island of New
Zealand was struck by an earthquake on 22nd
February 2011. This happened at 1251 hours
(local time), when of course the City was at its
busiest. The quake, which was the second the
city had experienced in five months, was at a
magnitude of 6.3. Over 148 people died, 2500
were injured and more than 2000 displaced as an
immediate affect of the emergency.
The 62 strong UK team arrived in New Zealand
at 1000 hours (local time) on 25th February
2011. They were tasked and briefed on rescue
operations and immediately committed to search
and rescue operations.
They were met by a scene of total devastation
and shocked to see a thriving community silenced
by such a traumatic event. Classified as Heavy
Rescue responders under UN guidelines, they
assisted the existing teams already deployed
continuing the vital search and rescue of people
trapped under collapsed buildings.
During their time in New Zealand the team
searched and cleared three complete city blocks.
This included a 150 hour search and rescue
operation at one particular office building which
had earlier seen multiple rescues. Sadly they
found no further survivors but were able to
recover 13 bodies, thus helping a number of
bereaved families to achieve closure at the loss of
their loved ones.
The New Zealand UK ISAR team was
represented by Station Manager Mark Coleman,
Operational Research and Development Manager
of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service who received
the award on their behalf,
We must acknowledge, with thanks, Vimpex Ltd
for its sponsorship of this award. Vimpex is a
major supplier of specialist rescue and personal
protective equipment to fire and rescue services
as well as a manufacturer of fire alarm systems
The 2011 awards were presented to the
recipients by the Master Firefighter, Peter
Cowland.
The festival is at the:
Cheapside, London EC2
.
Featuring Soprano, Suzanne Wilson.
Following the Carol Service, members of the
congregation are invited to remain in the church
to share light refreshment and good company.
There will be no charge for Members of the
Worshipful Company and their immediate family
but Members are invited to make a donation in
respect of other family members, friends and
guests who accompany them, as a contribution
towards essential costs.
Members of the Company,
Family, friends and guests are
invited to attend A Festival of
Christmas Carols.
Friday 16th December 2011, at 6.30 p.m
CAROL
CONCERT
Church of St. Mary-le-Bow
Master Firefighter,
Peter Cowland
presents the award
to Station Manager
Mark Coleman.
Church of St. Mary-le-Bow