Make a Difference Award

The whole service is absolutely delighted for Firefighters Burch, Sweeny and Willis for winning this year’s BBC Make a Difference award. 

Last summer, these three firefighters entered the water to rescue a swimmer from the sea, in conditions deemed too treacherous and difficult for a lifeboat or our inshore rescue boat. 

There is no doubt that the efforts of these firefighters and their crew on land – Crew Commander Matthew Coote and Firefighter Georgina Connor – saved the life of the man in the water.

Even though this is the sort of heroic action we expect from our firefighters, we are thrilled to have their bravery, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community recognised in this way.

We’d like to say congratulations to our fellow finalists, who contribute so much to our Island community.