A BRAVE Droitwich firefighter who came to the aid of a seriously injured driver trapped in their car and then led the rescue operation has received a prestigious award.
Courageous crew commander Simon Jelfs was handed the Chief Fire Officer’s Letter of Commendation for his fearless response when he came across a serious road crash and, without hesitation, stopped to help the two drivers involved.
Simon was on his way to Droitwich, from Worcester, when he saw the incident which left one driver in need of urgent medical care.
He called Fire Control for extra support before passing on vital information to the firefighters who were en route to the scene.
With only limited numbers of firefighters available at a very busy rescue scene, Simon then offered further assistance by taking on command and control duties, freeing up his colleagues to rescue the driver.
He received his accolade at the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Annual Medals and Awards Ceremony at Worcester’s Guildhall last Friday (September 5).
The Chief Fire Officer’s Letter of Commendation is handed to those who have performed acts of courage or bravery, rendered general humanitarian aid, performed to a high standard under difficult circumstances or performed above and beyond normal expectations.
Chief fire officer Mark Yates, who assisted in presenting the awards, said: “Without the exceptional talents and commitment of our staff, there wouldn’t be the high quality Fire and Rescue Service we enjoy in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the invaluable, and often unrecognised, support our staff receive from their families and loved ones.”
Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, David Blakey, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Michael Hogan, and the Chairman of the Fire and Rescue Authority Coun Derek Prodger were all present along with the distinguished guests’ family and friends to celebrate outstanding service given by the county’s firefighters.
And it was a double celebration for the Droitwich station with watch commander Timothy Harris also picking up the Outstanding Service Medal which recognises 35 years of dedicated service.
During the night Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also received local and national recognition for delivering a innovative crewing system, Day Crewing Plus, at the new joint police and fire station in Bromsgrove.
