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3

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