7 August 2009 09/164
Award-winning firefighter making our community
safer
A firefighter who picked up an award for turning children away
from anti social behaviour, has been thanked by partners for his
hard work.
The West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership held a special
presentation for Kevin Wilkie from Skelmersdale Fire Station to
congratulate him for his outstanding achievements.
He was the driving force behind a project that was delivered in
partnership with the Neighbourhood Management Team for Digmoor,
Moorside and Tanhouse. The project has successfully turned young
people away from anti social behaviour, which lead to positive
results including an 18.07% reduction in arson fires.
As a result he was declared winner in the Contribution to
Community Fire Safety category at the Fire Excellence Awards
2009.
His work is not only benefiting the local neighbourhoods but is
helping the Community Safety Partnership achieve its targets to
reduce nuisance behaviour and to discourage youngsters from
deliberately starting fires.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"We and our partners are committed to promoting safety and reducing
anti social behaviour, which can have a negative impact on the
quality of life for our residents. Kevin has made an outstanding
contribution to community fire safety and I’m delighted that he has
been given this award. To show him our appreciation we honoured him
at our own group meeting so that all the partners could hear about
this success story."
Steve Wilson, Lancashire Fire and Rescue’s Service Delivery
Manager, added:
"Kevin has shown innovation and the drive to improve community
fire safety, whilst maintaining good relations with young people
too. The project has had great results and I’m pleased that Kevin
has been officially recognised for his hard work. He is a credit to
the fire service and local community."
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