Award for Watford firefighter (From Watford Observer)
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'Natural passion' for safety wins Watford firefighter Dave Elliott a countywide award
9:20am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News
By Mike Wright, Chief Reporter
Award winners Alexandra Radley and Dave Elliott with Hertfordshire chief fire officer Roy Wilsher
A Watford firefighter has clinched a countywide award for his work promoting community safety at the town’s fire station.
Dave Elliott, watch commander of Red Watch at Watford Fire Station, was named employee of the year at the Hertfordshire Excellence Achievement Recognition and Thanks awards.
The Watford born and bred 47-year-old was handed the accolade for his "natural passion" for getting the community engaged with the fire service and promoting safety.
Mr Elliott, who lives off High Street, said he knew was on the shortlist for the award, but was shocked when he was announced as the joint-winner at a ceremony at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield on Thursday.
The firefighter, who has served at Watford, Rickmansworth, Potters Bar and Hemel Hempstead stations in his 28-year career, has been the force behind a number of public initiatives at the station that demonstrate the fire dangers and life-saving tips.
However the father-of-five was quick to share the credit for his award with the other members of Red Watch.
He said: "It was very well received on my watch, they were very pleased for me. They have helped out it is not just me doing all the work. I plan things, but they have to execute it."
Mr Elliott shared the award with another Hertfordshire County Council worker, Alexandra Radley, who worked to make sure the Lea Valley Olympic venue was prepared for any incidents during the games.
Following the ceremony Roy Wilsher, Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer, said: "We had an extremely high number of nominations this year and the standard of entries was high, which made deciding the winners even more difficult than in previous years.
"However, the chosen winners were well deserved. I would like to congratulate all the nominees for their continued hard work and I look forward to celebrating more successes in the years to come."
