The media are invited to attend a ceremony commending actions by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service taken above and beyond the call of duty on the night of 5 February 2009, in extreme weather conditions.

The ceremony will take place at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service HQ, Monday 16 November 2009 . Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer will be attending and presenting certificates to recognise the crews exceptional work.

On the night of 5 February 2009, during heavy snowfall, crews forming a strategic reserve at Devon Fire Control were mobilised to deliver blankets and sleeping bags to the rescue centre at Oakhampton College 27 miles away. Over 200 people, including elderly and infants, had been evacuated there from the A30 and were without heat or light following a power failure.  The crews endured a long and difficult journey dealing with blocked roads drifting snow and blizzard conditions. Assistance was given to stranded motorists en route. It is believed that these were the only vehicles to succeed in reaching Okehampton that night; taking hours of careful teamwork with the constant risk of becoming stranded. Following a successful delivery, crews made the difficult return journey to SHQ here they were immediately redeployed to other incidents.

On the same night other fire crews attended over 200 occupants stranded in their vehicles in unexpected heavy blizzards and in freezing conditions on Haldon and Telegraph Hill.   Crews worked continually for many hours without a break giving first aid to member of the public, moving them to a safe place and clearing cars to enable the snow plough to operate.

Commended Operational Crews
Exmouth Fire Station Blue Watch
Exeter Fire Station Blue Watch
Bovey Tracey Fire Station
Dawlish Fire Station
Exmouth Fire Station Retained
Wellington Fire Station
Commended Personal
GM Adge Tilke
SM Martin Bayet
GM Tam Alford

Ends
Note to Media

Guests will arrive at 1845 hrs and the presenting of commendations will commence at 1900hrs and the event should be complete by 2030hrs; a buffet will be provided. The media will be able to take photographs at around 20.30pm after the ceremony has been completed.

Please contact Suzie Izzard, Press Officer, on 01392 872296 email. sizzard@dsfire.gov.uk if it is your intention to attend.

Venue:
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service HQ,
The Knowle, Clyst St George,
Exeter EX3 ONW