Fire service volunteer earns national award

7 hours ago

Alex Popeand

Annabel Amos,in Northampton

News image — Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service chief Nikki Watson presented the award to Scott Fitzsimmons

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Scott Fitzsimmons standing next to Nikki Watson, they are both holding a certificate in a frame. They have red lanyards round their necks and are wearing black tops. Scott has short dark hair and glasses on his head and Nikki has tied back long hair. She is smiling. They are inside a building, which is slightly blurred behind them. — Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service chief Nikki Watson presented the award to Scott Fitzsimmons

A fire service volunteer has been presented with a national award for his dedication, which he described as his way to "help out and give back" to his community.

Scott Fitzsimmons, from Wellingborough, has been giving up his own time to help at the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for nearly six years.

His years of dedication have been recognised at a national level, with the National Fire Chiefs Council Volunteers Award.

He said it was not expected but "it's great to be recognised for what I do".

Fitzsimmons, a community safety advocate, was nominated by his colleagues for "his dedication and contribution", the fire service said.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service A person wearing a black uniform and sunglasses is speaking to a group of children at an outdoor event. The children are standing in front of a display table with safety information and leaflets. Behind the person is a large emergency service vehicle with bright yellow signage that reads "FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE" and "NORTHAMPTONSHIRE POLICE." The scene suggests a community safety or public engagement event. — Scott Fitzsimmons helps out at community safety events across the county

He told the BBC he joined in August 2020 "just to help out and give back to the community".

He carries out a number of different roles, from holding safety community events throughout the year, to moving fire engines and carrying out station deliveries.

He also delivers prevention messages such as fire safety, road safety and water safety at community engagements and open days across Northamptonshire.

He said it was "brilliant" to get the award after he was nominated at the end of last year.

"I forgot about it until I got an email in the new year, it's quite an achievement to be recognised," he said.

"It's great to be recognised for what I do.

"I don't do it for that, I just enjoy helping out and giving something back when I can."

Nikki Watson, Northamptonshire's chief fire officer, said: "Scott has shown an amazing commitment and dedication to our organisation and he is a valued member of our team.

"Volunteers like Scott are an essential part of the work we do to protect our communities and I am delighted he has been recognised for his efforts.

"It was a pleasure to present him this award."

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