APD Managing Director Mike Isherwood speaking at the Control Room Awards 2018.
Awards celebrating the life-saving and life-changing work of staff in critical control rooms are returning for the second year.
The APD Control Room Awards 2019 are the only national awards that recognise the extraordinary and selfless contribution to the public and society as a whole of people working in control rooms for the police, fire, ambulance and emergency rescue services, as well as the aviation and transportation sectors.
The launch of the 2019 awards follow the success of the inaugural event earlier this year when, on an evening of high emotion, individuals and teams were recognised for demonstrating remarkable skill, professionalism and resilience in responding to crisis situations.
Last year’s winners included London Fire Brigade’s Two Watch control room team for their calm and collected response to the Grenfell Tower inferno, which helped many people to escape the burning building and David (Edd) Redwood, of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who demonstrated exceptional performance and collaboration with several services in the multi-agency management of a flash flooding situation and helped save the life of an elderly woman trapped in rapidly-rising floodwater.
The APD Control Room Awards are run by APD Communications, which develops critical, life-saving software used by the police and other emergency services organisations across the country, as well as transport and aviation operators nationally and internationally.
Entries for the 2019 awards are now open and the awards ceremony takes place on 7 March 2019, at the De Vere Orchard Hotel in Nottingham, when finalists and guests will enjoy an evening of celebration, reward and recognition. The cost of shortlisted nominees’ tickets will be covered, making it possible for all finalists to attend.
APD Managing Director Mike Isherwood said, “Because of our work providing technology that supports and connects emergency services organisations and their control rooms we’re very well aware of the amazing work of staff in these operations and the vital service they provide to members of the public.
“However, because their work is behind the scenes, it is largely unseen and sometimes under-appreciated. That’s why we felt there was a need to recognise and celebrate outstanding performance and achievement in critical control rooms the length and breadth of the country.
“We thought the awards would be well received, but we were bowled over by the response and the stories of incredible dedication, professionalism and resilience they unearthed.
“For us there was no question that the awards needed to return and become an annual event. We’re thrilled to launch the 2019 awards and we’re urging organisations and individuals in the critical control rooms community to give them their fullest support and participation.”
Once again leading technology provider telent Technology Services will be the Platinum Partner of the awards. telent specialises in the effective operation of critical national infrastructure and is at the heart of many of the UK and Ireland’s best-known brands. The company has long-standing relationships providing frontline operational technology solutions to emergency services and public safety organisations across the UK and Ireland.
The full list of APD Control Room Awards 2019 categories is:
- Award for Services to the Public
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Control Room Dispatcher of the Year
- Leader of the Year
- Control Room Call Taker of the Year
- Community Champion Award
- Young Achiever of the Year
- Special Recognition for Bravery and Courage Award
- Team of the Year
- The John Gilhooly Unsung Hero Award (dedicated posthumously to John Gilhooly who served in the Scottish Ambulance Service control room for almost 30 years)
For more information on the APD Control Room Awards 2019 go to www.controlroomawards.com and follow the awards on Facebook: @controlroomawards, Twitter: @CR_Awards and LinkedIn: Control Room Awards.
