Page 99 - Archived Back Issues

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.
Master Firefighter, Peter Cowland presents the award to Station Manager Mark Coleman.
CAROL CONCERT
Members of the Company, Family, friends and guests are invited to attend A Festival of Christmas Carols.
The festival is at the:
Church of St. Mary-le-Bow
Cheapside, London EC2
Friday 16th December 2011, at 6.30 p.m. 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.
Church of St. Mary-le-Bow
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