London Fire Brigade recognises outstanding achievements at fourth annual People Awards


Iain Hoey
Share this content
Record nominations for London Fire Brigade’s People Awards
London Fire Brigade (LFB) hosted its fourth annual People Awards on 18 July, recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of its staff.
As reported by London Fire Brigade, this year’s event saw over 300 individuals and teams nominated, the highest number to date.
The event, held at The Guildhall, was attended by over 250 guests, including community leaders such as Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service Jules Pipe CBE, Chair of LFB’s Independent Advisory Panel Martin Forde KC, and Chair of the Greater London Assembly Fire Committee Hina Bokhari AM.
Members of the LFB Community Forum, which aids in embedding community-focused practices within the Brigade, were also present.
New values align with award categories
For the first time, the award categories were aligned with LFB’s newly defined values: Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Equity, Courage, and Learning.
These values, shaped by staff experiences and the communities they serve, are based on the National Fire Chief’s Council Code of Ethics and are central to the Brigade’s operations.
The ceremony highlighted various categories, including the Service Award, Making a Difference Award, Rising Star Award, Exceptional Actions Award, Equity Award, Community Contribution Award, Courage Award, Learning Award, and Integrity Award.
Each category reflects the vital work undertaken by LFB staff daily.
Recognition for exemplary service
Wimbledon Red Watch received the Service Award for their resilience, dedication, and professionalism over an exceptionally challenging 24 months.
Station Officer Andy Cuthbert, representing Wimbledon Red Watch, said: “Wimbledon Red Watch set the gold standard in levels of professionalism and commitment.
“The People Awards are a great way to celebrate the achievements of a wide variety of people from across the organisation.”
Firefighter in Development Siobhan Priest, winner of the Rising Star Award, was recognised for her continuous encouragement of those applying to join fire services.
Priest expressed her excitement: “Receiving this award made me feel very valued by LFB.
“This award was given to me for the online work I’ve done since joining LFB and whilst I was in training school.”
Katie Deveraux from Operational Resilience, who won the Teamwork Award, reflected on her team’s achievement: “We were awarded in the teamwork category for the work we did to support the delivery of London Fire Brigade’s response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.”
Celebrating community contributions
Station Commander Paul Anstey won the Making a Difference People’s Choice Award for his involvement in community projects such as the Wrap Up campaign, which collected over 5,000 coats for those in need.
Anstey said: “To be fortunate enough to win a People’s Award was a very special moment.
“It made me feel exceptionally proud not only to be part of LFB and such a fantastic evening but also that my award was voted for by Brigade personnel.”
Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Smith emphasised the importance of the awards: “The People Awards serve as a testament to the profound impact our staff have on their communities and each other.
“As the Brigade looks to the future, we remain committed to upholding our values and striving for excellence in all aspects of our service.”