Fire service award for three long serving members from Rochdale

Rochdale recipients Michael Lawlor, Mark Bamford and Jason Rain with County Fire Officer, Steve McGuirk

Three uniformed officers of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service who either live or serve in the Rochdale area have been awarded with Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

The Queen awards the medal to those members of the fire service who have completed 20 years ‘Exemplary Fire Service’.

This year 16 uniformed officers were honoured with the award presented by Mr Warren J Smith JP, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

The Rochdale recipients of the medal were: Michael Lawlor, Mark Bamford and Jason Rain.

Station Commander Michael Lawlor began his career in the Fire Service in November 1989 at Littleborough and following his initial training was posted to Rochdale fire station, he was promoted to Crew Commander at Oldham in 2001 and the to Watch Commander at the Training Centre in 2002.

Since then Michael has served at Fire Service Headquarters and is currently posted to the Operations Department as Station Commander.

Crew Commander Mark Bamford began his career in the Fire Service in January 1990 and was posted to Philips Park fire station.

Mark was promoted to Crew Commander in January 2007 at Philips Park before transferring to Manchester Central and subsequently Heywood fire station in March 2009.

Mark has also received a County Fire Officers Letter of Commendation for his actions in rescuing a young man from a swimming pool whist on holiday in Wales.

Watch Commander Jason Rain began his career in the Fire Service in November 1989 at Littleborough and following his initial training was posted to Rochdale fire station.

In January 2002 he was promoted to Crew Commander at Heywood fire station and then Watch Commander in 2009 at Whitefield fire station. Jason is currently serving at the Training and Development Centre.