DEDICATED firefighters were honoured by the service during a prestigious ceremony.

A number representatives from Wiltshire Fire and Rescued Service received long service and good conduct medals at the event, held at Manor House, in Devizes, last week.

Each recipient was nominated by the chief fire officer and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, presented the awards.

Crew manager Brian Francis started his service career 20-years-ago and his hard work saw him rise to the rank of leading firefighter.

He always wanted to explore the possibility of becoming a full-time firefighter and joined the Ministry of Defence at RAF Fairford in 2002.

Brian, who lives in Cricklade, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the fire service and that none of it would have been possible without the support and understanding of my family.

“My mum Anne, dad Peter, sons George and Jack and, most importantly of all, I would like to dedicate this medal to my wife Mandi who encouraged me initially to join and supported me throughout my career, through the good times and the bad.”

Another to get a long service and good conduct medal was on-call firefighter Steve Hedges, based at Stratton Fire Station.

A highlight of his career has been the friends he has made, in particular Wayne Nelhams.

Earlier in their careers, responding to a fire in a derelict post office, the pair went into the building as a team of two. Steve went to open a door but it fell off its hinges, pushing him over and cracking his breathing cylinder.

As air began to leak out, Wayne took control and helped Steve to safety.

Meanwhile, chief fire officer’s commendations were given to Swindon-based watch manager Tim Elliott and member of the public Angie Colmer.

On July 30, 2014, Tim was at a swimming pool with his wife when a three-year-old girl was pulled unconscious out of the water.

He worked with Angie Colmer, who was also visiting the site, to perform CPR for a number of minutes, until paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service arrived.

The youngster made a complete recovery.

During the ceremony, excellence awards were also given to crew manager Afron Huband, based at Stratton Fire Station, and firefighter Neil Green, also based there.