A fire engine
A fire engine

Residents across Lichfield and Burntwood are being asked to cast their vote in the hunt for the Fire Service champion of 2010.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service launched it’s MORE Staff Awards in 2008 to recognise and reward outstanding contribution and dedication to the profession.

The highlight among 11 categories is the publicly nominated Fire and Rescue Professional of The Year award.

This is given to the individual or team to have demonstrated outstanding community spirit, going beyond the call of duty to help people overcome difficult situations.

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Peter Dartford, said:

“It is only right the public decide on this award because it is their safety we dedicate ourselves to each and every day. People can nominate individuals from the Fire Service or a team, anyone they would like to say thank you to for making a valuable and positive contribution to their lives.

“In times of trouble or distress we aim to provide our community with a service which is professional, dignified and compassionate to the situation in hand. Whether it be someone in Control keeping a member of the public calm and assured over the telephone while an incident takes place, support staff who go the extra mile to build valuable community relationships or a firefighter or crew that have been tireless and brave in the face of great adversity, we remain focussed on being the best we can be.

“The Fire and Rescue Professional of the Year award gives members of the public the chance to give something back.”

Public nominations can be made through the Service’s website or by collecting a nomination form from their local fire station. Alternatively people can telephone 08451 22 11 55 for a nomination form. The closing date for nominations is February 19.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.