Rochdale firefighter awarded medal for service and conduct

A Rochdale firefighter and 22 of his Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service colleagues have been awarded with the Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Christopher Dalton was one of 23 recipients of the medal, all of whom have dedicated their working lives to keeping the people and communities of Greater Manchester safe.

The accolades recognising the firefighters’ achievements were presented by Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in a special ceremony at the Bury Training and Safety Centre on 23 March.

Mr Dalton, a lifelong Manchester City fan, was joined on the night by his long-term partner of 13 years, Michelle Procter, a financial advisor, and their children, Freya, seven, and Harriet, four.

The father-of-two joined the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in May 1998, moving to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue in June 2004.

Mr Dalton’s role as a firefighter started in his hometown of Rawtenstall with a squad of about 12 retained firefighters, before being posted in Bury and, later, Rochdale.

Mr Dalton, whom has recently taken on a new role as a fire appliance driver, said: “Being there for the public in their hour of need is very satisfying, especially when the outcome is a positive one; Michelle is also very proud of my time in the service.”

 

 

Between them, the recipients have saved countless lives, protected people, pets and property from the devastating impact of fire, represented GMFRS internationally with Operation Florian and have faced a range of challenging incidents - from working in extreme weather conditions, flood response, attending multiple moorland fires and road traffic collisions.

To be eligible to receive the medal, individuals must have kept excellent standard in their character and conduct throughout their career with the service.

Medal recipients were congratulated on their achievements and thanked for their distinguished service and bravery by Chief Fire Officer, Jim Wallace. 

Mr Dalton said: “During my time as a retained firefighter, we were called to a large detached house fire in Rawtenstall with the bedroom well alight. A little boy of four was trapped: we pulled out all the stops to save him, but unfortunately this wasn’t possible. 

“The Breathing Apparatus team received commendations and the rest of the firefighters received a letter of appreciation from the-then Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Peter Holland.”

He continued: “Another instance that sticks in my mind is when we were called to a flood in Heywood. We were the first pump there on Pilsworth Road. It was incredible to see flood water rise so quickly in such a short amount of time. Water had rose so high up the grassy banking and into people's homes. The local children thought it was great and decided to get their inflatable lilos out and have a swim, although this was not a good idea as it is waste water mixing with flood water coming out of the sewers.

“Once I was detached to Ashton for a day shift. During the afternoon, we were mobilised to a flat fire. Whilst we were dealing with the fire, the occupant returned from work. He advised us that he was smoking in bed that morning and had dropped his cigarette but couldn’t find it.

“As he couldn’t find it, he decided to go to work: a bit odd, but that’s what he did. As we were nearing the end of the job, the occupant’s next-door neighbour returned from work and opened his front door. Once the door was open, I could smell gas coming from his flat. The neighbour said he had left the gas on all day. His dog survived and so did we, but this could have ended a lot differently.”

 

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Wallace said: “It’s with great pleasure that I welcome you here today for this very special presentation. We are here to celebrate the service you have given over the last 20 and 40 years, to your communities in Greater Manchester, as well as elsewhere in the UK and internationally.”

“Today is to celebrate your hard work with those that have supported you the most throughout your careers. They have been with you through the good times, and the difficult incidents that you have faced. They have supported you throughout your service, and we want to thank them, as much as we want to thank you.”

Closing the ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren J. Smith JP said: “It is an exceptional privilege to be invited here today on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. I am now in my twelfth year of representing here in Greater Manchester, and this ceremony is one of the highlights of my year.

“The officers awarded obtain a vast reservoir of experience that is invaluable to our younger firefighters. I would like to congratulate each and every one of you for the great service you do for the communities of Greater Manchester and for the British public.

“I am delighted to be able to personally thank each of you, each of whom have dedicated so much of your lives to protecting the public."