More than 100 firefighters, internal services colleagues, and volunteers, as well as members of the public and partner agency workers, received awards at the ceremony at The Gulbenkian Theatre in Canterbury on Thursday, 5 December.  

‘I knew I had to help her’

KFRS volunteer Emma, and her partner Andy, received the ‘Act of Courage’ award after saving the life of a young woman who was in distress at a train station while off-duty. Their quick thinking and efforts to reassure the woman, as well as key skills learned at KFRS around mental health emergencies, saved her life.

Emma said: “Mental health as at the forefront of my life and when I saw the woman, I knew I had to help her. Not in a million years did I expect to receive this award. I love being a volunteer and being a part of the KFRS team.”

Crew Manager Kieran received an award for his actions when a member of public confided in him about domestic abuse during a home fire safety visit – a free service offered by KFRS. Kieran explained the help and support that was available, and stayed with them until the police arrived, making sure they were taken to safety. Colleagues have praised Kieran’s empathetic and approachable nature.

Firefighter Harry also received an ‘Act of Courage’ award, alongside other members of the crew at Strood fire station, who received the ‘Chief Executive Commendation’, for the rescue of a teenage boy who was in difficulty in water. Harry’s quick actions helped save the boy’s life in what was a critical incident. 

One of this year’s Long Service awards went to Jeff who has been a part of KFRS for more than four decades. After starting his career as a trainee firefighter in Cranbrook in 1983, Jeff has worked his way up the ranks and is now a member of the Technical Rescue Unit, dealing with complex rescues in the county and also abroad as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UKISAR). 

Other winners included the Malone family from Grain, whose quick actions and attendance at one of KFRS’ CPR sessions, saved the life of a 15-year-old girl. 

As well as on-call firefighter Ian from Borough Green station, who received a ‘Chief Executive Commendation’ for saving the life of a young child when he responded to a GoodSam alert off-duty. 

KFRS 999 operators were also recognised at the awards and described as a ‘force to be reckoned with’ after raising £8,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity. 

‘They are incredible people’ 

 Chief Executive of KFRS, Ann Millington, highly praised all award recipients.  

She said: “These awards highlight how selfless and caring people within KFRS are, as well as the members of public and colleagues from our partner agencies who have also been recognised. They are incredible people willing to go above and beyond when others need them most.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees - keep up the good work!”