FIREFIGHTERS who have dedicated 20 years of their lives to serving the community were honoured at a ceremony on Wednesday (October 28). Leading firefighter Nigel Webb of Saffron Walden Fire Station and firefighter Jonathan Fletcher of Thaxted Fire Statio

FIREFIGHTERS who have dedicated 20 years of their lives to serving the community were honoured at a ceremony on Wednesday (October 28).

Leading firefighter Nigel Webb of Saffron Walden Fire Station and firefighter Jonathan Fletcher of Thaxted Fire Station were presented with long service and good conduct medals by High Sherriff of Essex Sarah Courage.

Deputy chief fire officer Mark Jones, who was also at the ceremony, said: "Officers like Nigel and Jonathan are the backbone of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service; they serve with pride and dedication.

"They have given 20 years of exemplary service to the communities of Essex and in that time have developed a wealth of knowledge and experience which they can bring to bear in protecting and serving those communities.

"This medal recognises their achievement and is presented by us on behalf of the Monarch and a grateful community."

Mr Webb and Mr Fletcher were two of 13 firefighters from across the county who were presented with the medals at Chelmsford's Waterfront Place.

Recipients were joined by their families and colleagues, along with members of Essex Fire Authority. Mr Jones welcomed guests to the evening's celebrations before handing over formalities to master of ceremonies, senior divisional officer Mark Hardingham.