The ceremony, hosted by BBC Look North’s Christa Ackroyd, recognised the achievements of those who made a real difference to people’s lives across the county in 2007.

Doncaster firefighter Shaun Burgess, who came across the scene of a motorway crash while off-duty last year, won the Award for Operational Excellence for his life-saving actions at the incident.

The Chief Fire Officer’s Award for Protecting the Public sponsored by Meadowhall went to member of the public Michael Peynado, who performed the heroic rescue of a family when fire broke out at their home in Doncaster.

Firefighters from Central Blue Watch picked up the award for Sheffield’s Most Popular Crew, presented to them by Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws. Royston Blue took the award for Barnsley, Doncaster’s award went to Rossington, and the Rotherham district award was won by Rotherham White Watch, with the crew receiving their award from Rotherham United captain Graham Coughlan.  These awards were judged on the number of Letters of Appreciation received from members of the public.

Young people were also honoured at the ceremony, with Sheffield teenager Emma Duckworth picking up the Young Firefighter of the Year award, and Abbey Brookes from Sheffield winning the Turning My LIFE Around award, which recognised the achievements of young people who have completed South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) course.

The ceremony was attended by a number of community leaders and dignitaries, including the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire and Chair of South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority Jim Andrews. The High Sheriff also gave a surprise award to the Service, saying that the communities across the county were indebted to its work during the floods in summer 2007.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Smitherman said: “I am delighted that we were able to formally recognise and celebrate the fantastic achievements of our firefighters, support staff, control staff, partners and members of the public, who have done so much to help make South Yorkshire’s communities safer. All the nominees should feel immensely proud of their achievements, and we look forward to celebrating further successes in 2009.”

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Notes to Editors:

The full list of award winners is:

Chief Fire Officer’s Award for Protecting the Public, sponsored by Meadowhall:
Michael Peynado

Young Firefighter of the Year: Emma Duckworth

Best Education Partner: Miss Dorothy.com

Best Business Partner: St Leger Homes

Best Community Partner: Edlington Safer Neighbourhood Team

Special Award for Diversity: Diane Malpass (Station Manager Lowedges / Mosborough)

Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service: Tony Bertram (Young Firefighter Instructor)

Firefighters’ Team Player Award: John Torn (Rotherham Station)

Support Staff Team Player Award: Ian Carr (based at Rivelin Station)

Most Popular Crew – Sheffield: Central Blue

Most Popular Crew – Barnsley: Royston Blue

Most Popular Crew – Doncaster: Rossington

Most Popular Crew – Rotherham: Rotherham White

‘Turning My Life Around’ Award: Abbey Brookes

Control Award for Public Service: Shirley Kershaw

Operational Community Safety Team: Rotherham Blue

Non-Operational Community Safety Officer: Mabel Goodson

Outstanding Support to Service Delivery: Carole Hall

Award for Operational Excellence: Shaun Burgess