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Fire and rescue service (FRS) prevention teams from across the UK have been recognised for their work in community safety at the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Celebrating Prevention Awards 2025.
The awards, held alongside this year’s NFCC Prevention Conference – themed Lead, Innovate and Champion – highlight excellence across road, home and water safety, engagement with children and young people, and partnership working.
Now in its fourth year, the programme saw record participation, with 123 nominations submitted by 34 fire and rescue services. A further 28 fire service volunteers were also honoured, doubling last year’s total entries and marking the event’s most competitive year to date.
Judging panels praised the “fantastic Prevention practice” showcased across the UK, noting that the high standard of submissions made decision-making particularly challenging.
Chris Kirby, NFCC Prevention Committee Lead and Chief Fire Officer for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said the awards shine a light on the work that often goes unseen by the public.
“NFCC’s Celebrating Prevention Awards is one of the highlights of the events calendar, where we get to celebrate and recognise the outstanding work carried out by FRS Prevention teams and their partners each and every day,” he said.
“I’m continually inspired by the dedication, innovation and leadership demonstrated by those who are passionate about keeping their communities safe. It makes me incredibly proud to be part of the fire sector.”
This year’s winners include:
- The Donna Crossman Children and Young People Award: Rita Richardson, Cleveland Fire Brigade (now Fire Safety Education Officer, StayWise)
- Road Safety Award: Billy Fenwick, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
- Home Safety Award: Dr Emma Dean, Lyndsey Bell and Sarah Hardman, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
- Water Safety Award: Community Safety Department, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Children and Young People Award: Developing Resilience Programme, Cumbria Prevention Team, and Station Manager Andrew Lowes, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
- Partnership Working Award: Closing the Gap: A National Model for Fire Safety in Learning Disabilities Care – Norfolk Waveney Integrated Care Board, West Norfolk Learning Disabilities Team, Adult Social Care, Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
- Special Recognition: Charlie Pugsley, latterly London Fire Brigade
NFCC congratulated all finalists and winners, noting that their work is making a “tangible difference” to prevention activity and community safety across the UK.
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