FIREFIGHTERS have been singled out for their “outstanding dedication” at an annual awards ceremony, held at the service’s Reigate headquarters.

Among those recognised by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service was Peter Willis from Farnham, who was handed a fire brigade long service and good conduct medal by High Sheriff of Surrey, Elizabeth Kennedy.

Peter joined Surrey Fire and Rescue Service in January 1995 and after his initial training was posted to Leatherhead red watch. In 2001, he was promoted to Leading Firefighter on Blue Watch, and two years later he was posted to Guildford White watch, where he served for a further two years.

Four years later in 2005, he was transferred to the Fire Safety Department, where he covered Runnymeade, Guildford and then Waverley as a business fire safety officer.

During this time he was promoted to substantive watch manager. He is currently serving as one of the county’s risk managers based out of Farnham. Peter lives near Arundel with his wife Emma and two daughters - Jasmine and Rosie - and has a keen interest in rock climbing, canoeing, gardening and walking.

Chief Fire Officer Russell Pearson said: “These awards give us the opportunity to recognise the hard work and outstanding dedication of our staff. The vital role played by the service continues, with firefighters involved not only in attending fire incidents, but also increasingly at road traffic collisions and special rescue incidents.”

Others included was Charlie Gunn, who was the first person on the scene of an accident on the M25 as he made his way home from a shift. And Gilbert Kenward was handed a certificate of recognition for an act of bravery by a member of the public after he rescued a neighbour from a burning home in Beare Green.