Long service award for Ormskirk fire fighter

Sep 27 2012 by Jamie Bowman, Ormskirk Advertiser

AN ORMSKIRK fire-fighter has been honoured after 20 years loyal service with Lancashire County Fire Brigade.

Mark Carr, who is based at Ormskirk Fire Station, has a specialist role within the fire department as a SRT (Specialist Rescue Team) instructor, which has seen him carrying out many difficult rescues, including a memorable occasion where a horse was trapped in a ditch.

John Taylor, who is the press officer for the brigade and attended the ceremony, said that although the ceremony was a formal affair, the story of the trapped horse had the families and friends of the 19 awards recipients, “laughing out loud and there was a smile on Mark's face as he was reminded of the stories and his years of service”.

He went on to say how Mark and his colleagues “stood to attention” when they were being awarded with their medals and a proud moment passed as all the recipients saluted after receiving their honours.

Mr Taylor said: “This is a once in a lifetime event for a fire-fighter.

“It does not come around very often.”

Mark, who joined the fire service in April 1992, was presented with his medal at a ceremony at Washington Hall Fire and Rescue, Chorley on September 11.

As well as taking part in specialist rescues, Mark also played an important role fighting fires at the infamous prison riot at HM Prison Wymott in 1993.

“Mark has been an excellent and loyal fire fighter who thoroughly deserves this medal, “ added Mr Taylor.