The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been nominated for emergency service of the year at the Excellence in Fire and Rescue Awards 2019.

As well as being nominated as the top performing fire and rescue service in Britain, the service was also nominated for Emergency Services Collaboration of the year and the service’s director of finance and contractual services, Sarah O’Donnell, was also nominated for the Most Influential Woman in Fire award.

Martin Blunden, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s chief officer, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for these awards alongside colleagues from across the UK. To be shortlisted is in itself an achievement, particularly given the incredible, innovative work that is taking place the length and breadth of the country –  not only by  fire and rescue services, but by the partners and organisations that work alongside us every day to help keep communities safe.

“My congratulations also go to Sarah O’Donnell – this is a much-deserved award nomination. Sarah’s role in ensuring SFRS continues to deliver a world-class service in a difficult financial environment can never be understated. I am incredibly proud of what this Service has achieved so far, and my thanks has to go to every one of our staff members. It is your hard work and dedication that has earned these nominations. Our best wishes go to all nominees on the big night.”

O’Donnell added: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this award alongside esteemed colleagues from across the UK. The standard of nominees in this category is incredibly high, and I have to give thanks to all the staff in my directorate who have helped make such a nomination possible.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at One Great George Street in Westminster next month on December 6.