Firefighters are pictured during an extrication demonstration at Broughton's open day held in 2008.
16 April 2009
Broughton Fire Station has been nominated for a national award.
The Milton Keynes station is in the running for The Fire Fighters Charity Station of the Year award in the annual Spirit of Fire Awards.
The category recognises the fire station that has performed its rescue duties with outstanding dedication and supported the fire services’ community through The Fire Fighters Charity.
In addition to being commended for the rescue of two people from a fire in Fishermead, Milton Keynes, last September, Broughton Fire Station dedicates many hours to raising money for charity.
Annual open days that are always well-attended and successful, along with regular car washes helps the station raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity and other local worthwhile causes.
In 2007-08 Broughton raised more money than any other station within Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, a total of £5,110.40
The station also gets involved with local charities, helping empty the wishing pool at thecentre:MK every year following their Christmas collection, regularly collecting outside Tesco in Kingston and even running a mile in full kit with a ladder through the town centre to help raise money for Sport Relief.
Station Manager Geoff Bottle said: “It is an honour for the station to be nominated for an award, and an amazing achievement to be selected as one of the finalists.
“The firefighters at Broughton Fire Station work extremely hard with dedication and professionalism to perform their roles effectively. They enjoy engaging with the community and their commitment to helping national and local charities has been recognised with this nomination.”
Firefighter Richard Allman from Green Watch has also been awarded The Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service Community Safety Award 2008 for his work for the Community Safety team.
Geoff added: “Broughton has been nominated for the award this year but without the help and support of others, the fundraising Broughton does would not be as successful. It is important to recognise the efforts made by all the stations and departments within Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, who take part in fundraising activities throughout the year.”
Broughton Fire Station is one of four finalists in the category, facing competition from Kelso Fire Station (Roxsburghshire), Tobermory Fire Station (Isle of Mull) and Bolton Fire Station (Manchester).
The Spirit of Fire Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 7 May at Wembley Stadium, London.
Other award categories include The Fire Fighters Charity Brigade of the Year, Britain’s Bravest Firefighter, Fire Services’ Public Adult Hero and Fire Services’ Public Child Hero.