Wednesday 16 June 2021
Officers who have worked in the island's uniformed services for 20 or 30 years were commended last night, at an awards ceremony at Government House.
Police and Border Agency Officers, Prison Officers, Fire & Rescue Crew, and staff from the Airport Fire Service were presented with long service awards by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
Guernsey Border Agency Officers, Customs and Excise Manager Jamie Edwards and Immigration Officer Charmaine Garrick, were presented with the GBA Long Service Award for 20 years of service, while Immigration Officer Peter Archer, Detective Inspector/SIO Andrew Domaille, Surveyor Adrian Hale and Deputy Chief Officer Peter Knee, for achieving their Home Affairs Meritorious Service Medal for 30 years of service.
Three of the longest serving police officers, Deputy Chief Officer Philip Breban, Chief Inspector J-P Le Breton, and Sergeant Geoffrey Austin, were presented with the Home Affairs Meritorious Service Medal for their 30 years of dedication to Guernsey Police. DCO Breban received an extra bar on his medal for over 35 years of service.
At the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, Stephen Adam and Gavin Robins received the Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in recognition of 20 years' long and meritorious service. Group Manager Timothy Falla was presented with the GFRS Meritorious Service Medal for 30 years of service.
Four members of the Airport Rescue & Firefighting Service - Mark Batiste, Stuart Mauger, Andrew Redwood and Thomas de Carteret - also received the Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Finally, Jason Tardif, Mark Toms, Paul Seamman and Eric Quate received the Prison Services (Operational Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Principal Prison Officer Phil Pattimore received the Home Affairs Meritorious Service Medal.
Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee for Home Affairs, said:
"All of our island's uniformed services do a tremendous job in helping protect our public and keep the island safe. It is clear that without them, Guernsey would not be the same. We are extremely fortunate to have so many dedicated members of staff working for these services, and on behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank them all and congratulate them on their respective awards."
Chief Officer Ruari Hardy, the Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement, said:
"Bailiwick Law Enforcement recognises the commitment of staff across the organisation and we are always keen to recognise the dedication and hard work of our officers especially when significant milestones of service are reached. At last night's awards evening many staff members were acknowledged for 20 and 30 years of service to our community which is exceptional. This included Immigration Officers, Border officers, specialists in Financial Crime and Police Officers some of which hold very senior roles. The presentations provided an opportunity to say thank you these members of staff and their families for the support they provide. I am grateful to The Committee for Home Affairs awarding the 30 years of service award which was very much appreciated by the recipients. I am humbled by the officer's service and would seek to congratulate them upon their careers."
Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Le Page said:
"It is always pleasing to be able to commend our staff for their long service. The years of service that many of our crew members give to the organisation just shows how strong our team is. Each of them allow us to do what we do to the best of our ability, and I would like to congratulate all of them on their awards, and thank them for their commitment to the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service."
John De Carteret, Prison Governor, said:
"Guernsey Prison is fortunate to have such a high number of prison officers who have reached such significant milestones in the career. These awards are testament to the commitment and dedication provided by these prison staff and in their service to the island. I am very proud to work in an organisation that retains such a high level of experience which provides huge confidence and assurance to the next generation of prison officers starting out in their careers with Guernsey Prison. I extend the thanks of the Prison to these worthy recipients and their families for their resilience and endeavour over the years in making such a positive contribution to our community."
Guernsey Ports' Fire Service Manager Thomas De Carteret said:
"I'm very proud of the Guernsey Airport Fire and Rescue Service staff being recognised by the Lieutenant-Governor in this way. As one of the recipients myself, I can reflect on so many changes in best practice and technology in airport firefighting over the last two decades. The experience and knowledge these award recipients have gained in 20 years of service are already being passed on to the next generation of airport firefighters."