Award recognition for support team member Annie Chapman

Annie Chapman, a long-time cook at Kilwinning Community Fire Station, was recently honoured at the Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards for her contributions to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and her local community.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Chapman has served firefighters and staff throughout Ayrshire for over 21 years, currently working out of the Kilwinning station.

Her contributions, both professionally and through additional community engagement efforts, led to her receiving the Support Team Member of the Year award at this year’s ceremony.

The Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards celebrate the efforts of emergency services personnel who serve local communities.

As part of her role, Chapman has provided meals to support firefighters returning from incidents, while also actively engaging with community initiatives, such as addressing food poverty and supporting elderly neighbours.

Annie Chapman’s community involvement

Beyond her responsibilities at the station, Chapman plays an active role in community events, particularly during the festive season when she dons the role of Mrs Claus at Kilwinning Community Fire Station.

She invites members of the community to participate in seasonal activities, helping foster a welcoming environment for local residents.

This gesture, alongside her support for broader community initiatives, exemplifies the values the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service seeks to uphold.

Area Commander and Local Senior Officer for Ayrshire, Ian McMeekin, praised Chapman’s commitment, noting her dedication to the Kilwinning crews and the community: “Annie is conscientious and dedicated, going above and beyond to provide hot meals for the Kilwinning crews returning from an incident.

“Her kindness however extends beyond her job description. Whether supporting activities to tackle food poverty, assisting elderly neighbours with health concerns, supporting staff, or contributing to community engagement initiatives at the station, Annie embodies the values of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in everything she does.”

Other award recipients at Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards

The awards ceremony also acknowledged other contributions across Ayrshire’s emergency services.

Stewarton Community Fire Station’s on-call firefighters received Team of the Year, recognised for their work in local fire safety and emergency response.

Additionally, firefighter Stephen McAnespie from Dreghorn Community Fire Station was recognised for his work with beehives across Ayrshire’s fire stations, a unique initiative aimed at supporting environmental conservation.

Another individual, Lee Swanston, was commended for his efforts with the Youth Volunteer Scheme, an SFRS programme aimed at engaging young people in emergency services education and community service.

These awards highlight a variety of ways that emergency personnel contribute to the wellbeing of Ayrshire’s communities.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to community values

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s involvement in the Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards underscores the organisation’s dedication to recognising personnel who go beyond their professional duties.

The awards honour a range of services, from firefighting and rescue efforts to community education and environmental initiatives.

By celebrating individuals like Chapman, McAnespie, and Swanston, the SFRS and its partners acknowledge the lasting impact of dedicated service on both colleagues and local communities.

Kilwinning Community Fire Station’s Annie Chapman honoured at Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards for community contributions: Summary

Annie Chapman, a support team member at Kilwinning Community Fire Station, was awarded Support Team Member of the Year at the Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards, recognising her 21 years of service with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Chapman’s role extends beyond cooking for the Kilwinning crews; she also engages in numerous community initiatives, from addressing food poverty to seasonal community events.

Area Commander Ian McMeekin praised her dedication, noting her alignment with SFRS values.

Other honourees included Stewarton Community Fire Station as Team of the Year and firefighter Stephen McAnespie for his work with local beehives.

The awards highlight the essential roles played by emergency service personnel in supporting the well-being of Ayrshire communities.