On behalf of the firefighters at Crich fire station, I would like to thank the CACN Committee for the Community Award you presented to us all at the Fire Station.

The eleven retained firefighters who make up the crew have a total of nearly 200 years of service and experience. Paul Sayles is the longest serving firefighter ever at Crich, with thirty-four years service and Phil Dolby is the longest serving Watch Manager in Derbyshire with twenty-five years at that rank and thirty-three years service at Crich.

The Fire fighters are all local people and are employed and paid by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to provide emergency cover for Crich, Fritchley, Whatstandwell and the surrounding area. We are all trained to a high standard and regularly have to pass refresher courses and fitness tests. It is very rewarding to be able to help people, often known to us personally, when they are in trouble.

This summer has been exceptional, with a long dry spell causing huge moor fires at Saddleworth Moor on the Derbyshire Cheshire boarder and The Roaches in Staffordshire.

The Crich crew spent many hours battling the moor fires and other smaller grass fires. They were even called out to provide fire cover in South Yorkshire and while there, attended a flat fire in Doncaster.

Many of the firefighters actively support other organisations in the village, including the Fête Committee and the Place Project. The fire engine display and children’s water squirting is a favourite event at the Fête.

Once again, thanks for the award it is greatly appreciated by all of us,

Regards,

Phil Dolby, Watch Manager, Crich Fire Station.