Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 01/06/2006 19:15

*****Photo Opportunity*****
7.15pm on Thursday 1 June at Hayle Town Council Offices


Two firefighters from Cornwall County Fire Brigade have been awarded The Chief Fire Officer’s Cup for their efforts in community safety. The Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden will present John Navin and Steve Benney with the cup at 7.15pm on Thursday 1 June at Hayle Town Council.

Firefighter John Navin and Leading Firefighter Steve Benney have been responsible for the ‘Hayle Safe’ initiative since it started in September 2004.

The Hayle Safe project involves carrying out Home Fire Safety Checks in all homes in and around the town and fitting free smoke alarms in those properties deemed as 'high risk'.

John and Steve also work with other emergency services in the town as well as community groups such as Age Concern and SureStart to help raise awareness amongst residents on how to be safe, at home, at work and in their day to day life.

“The project has been very successful and the hard work of the firefighters has been recognised by the letters of appreciation and thanks we have received” said Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden

He cont: “It is also recognised by their colleagues who helped me decide that they should receive the award”
The Chief Officers Cup is presented annually for efforts in community safety. In 2005 Divisional Officer Colin Hatch received it.

As well as working in partnership with other organisations in the town, and carrying out Home Fire Safety Checks, John and Steve have also organised two ‘Hayle Safe Flaming Sports Challenges’.

The first was in August 2005; Cornwall County Fire Brigade, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and students from Hayle Community School played in a 5-a-side football match.

“The Hayle Safe Team decided to host a 5-a-side football match to improve relations between young people and the emergency services and lift community spirit” said Leading Firefighter Steve Benney

The event was such a huge success that John and Steve organised a similar event in March 2006. Cornwall County Fire Brigade, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and students from six primary schools played in a seven-a-side rugby event.

“Six local primary schools were involved: Bodriggy, Penpol, St Erth, Leedstown, Gwinear and Connor Downs. It is our aim to maintain and sustain this relationship through events like this in the future” said Firefighter John Navin

Terry Lello, Lead Member for Children, Young People & Families and one of the local members for Hayle-Gwinear-Gwithian said:
“This recognition is justly deserved, the contribution that John and Steve have made to the community in Hayle is immeasurable.







She cont:
“They have helped to break down barriers with young people, by working with them, earning their respect and showing them that people in uniforms can be trusted, and be extremely supportive to young people in times of need. I was privileged to attend the tag rugby event, and witnessed how the pupils from each school really enjoyed themselves, it was a fantastic day for everyone”

Matt Littmoden added: “The Hayle Safe project was a pilot project that John and Steve have made into an opportunity to really tackle community safety on a broad front, and drive down fires and injuries in the town”

“I congratulate them for their efforts”