Essex County Fire and Rescue Service celebrates outstanding achievements of its people
Work to keep people safer across Essex has been celebrated at the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service annual People Awards 2025.
With over 100 nominations received across the Service, the People Awards celebrated excellence, teamwork, and commitment to making Essex safer.
The categories for the People Awards included:
Firefighter of the Year: Chris Allen – A Watch, Urban Search and Rescue Team
Chris won Firefighter of the Year Award for consistently going above and beyond as a Trauma, Risk, Management (TRiM) Coordinator, offering compassionate support and promoting mental well-being. He also leads the Service’s Golf Society with dedication, creating inclusive, team-building events. His leadership, care, and commitment have made a lasting impact on colleagues, truly embodying the values of support, teamwork, and resilience.
Support Colleague of the Year: Steve Sebborn, Equipment Workshops Manager
Steve won Support Colleague of the Year Award for his Workshop Wednesday project. In 2023, Steve launched Workshop Wednesday on the Service’s social media pages, to spotlight Fleet Workshops’ vital work. Volunteering beyond his role, he created compelling weekly content that has reached over 512,000 viewers and inspired on-call firefighter applications. Steve’s dedication, creativity, and impact exemplify the Service values - earning public praise and transforming internal engagement across the Service.
Operational Colleague of the Year: Scott Ford, Head of Resourcing
Scott won the Operational Colleague of the Year Award for being an exceptional leader in community safety and prevention. From providing sensory gardens and faith group partnerships, his innovative initiatives have built real community trust. He is confident and dedicated to inclusive, impactful engagement.
Watch / Station / Team of the Year: Clacton Fire Station
Clacton Fire Station received the award for Watch/ Station/ Team of the Year. The crews at Clacton Fire Station have tirelessly tackled persistent arson attacks for 12 months in the local area. Through data analysis, collaboration with Essex Police, councils, and businesses, they identified patterns, implemented prevention measures, and supported arrests, demonstrating exemplary teamwork to protect the community and save lives.
Pride of Essex Fire: Waltham Abbey and Loughton Fire Stations
Waltham Abbey and Loughton Fire Stations won the Pride of Essex Fire Award for leading powerful community initiatives tackling isolation, wellbeing, and hardship. Their inclusive outreach - warm spaces, cooking lessons, art sessions, and support for ESL learners - has transformed lives. They exemplify leadership, compassion, and service, embodying true community spirit.
Inspirational Leader: Dave Farrant, Green Watch Colchester
Dave won the Inspirational Leader Award for showing exceptional leadership and compassion during a recent incident. Calm and decisive, he ensured efficient team operations and prioritised crew welfare. His ongoing support and clear communication exemplify resilience and dedication, embodying the highest standards of professionalism and empathy in fire service leadership.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award: Scott Fretton – Station Manager, Service Training Centre
Scott won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for his exceptional leadership in driving diversity and inclusion within the Firefighter Apprenticeship. Through inclusive recruitment, cultural competence training, personalised apprentice support, and accessible learning, Scott has created a welcoming environment where all apprentices feel valued, resulting in measurable improvements in diversity and engagement.
The event took place at the Lion Inn in Boreham on Tuesday 17 June.
The awards were presented by Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Rick Hylton, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, High Sheriff Julie Fosh along with members of the Executive and Service Leadership Team.
Other awards presented on the night:
Outstanding Contribution Awards were presented to: the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) for their deployments on behalf of UK International Search and Rescue.
Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to: Firefighter Nigel Hunter (Brentwood and Maldon) Harry Murray (Fleet Workshops Mechanic) and Firefighter James Allan (Colchester) who drove to Ukraine as part of the FireAid convoy, and Firefighter Nick Walton from Waltham Abbey Fire Station who was recognised for his dedication, resilience and service.
Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive Rick Hylton said:
“The People Awards are about recognising the remarkable individuals and teams who go above and beyond every single day – whether on the frontline, behind the scenes, or in the community, everyone plays a vital role in keeping Essex safe.”
The ceremony has been funded by sponsorship from BP Wild Bean Cafe Londis, Rivenhall South Service Station.