Firefighters in Cumbria have again shown they practice what they preach by being nominated for one of the nation's top health and safety awards for the second year running.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has beaten off stiff competition to the make the shortlist for the public service category in this year’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awards.
The county’s firefighters will be competing for the coveted Public Service and Local Government Sector honour at a ceremony taking place in Birmingham this Thursday (15 May).
Last year, the service was highly commended in the same category and hopes to go one further this year with a Sector Winners Award.
To qualify for the award, the county’s Fire and Rescue Service have once again had to demonstrate a strong safety management system and at least four years of excellent or improving health and safety performance.
In awarding Cumbria a place on the shortlist, judges looked at the Fire and Rescue Service’s success in reducing accidents amongst personnel and its investment in training and specialist equipment for firefighters.
Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member responsible for Cumbria’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Getting through to the finals for the second year running is a tremendous achievement and testimony to the Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to safety."
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service provide a home safety visit service where people can get free smoke detectors and advice on how to prevent pan fires and other household accidents. To arrange a free visit, people should call 0800-358-4777.
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Please note: Cumbria County Council's media team telephone numbers have now changed.
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228 226337.