Firestyle Magazine Issue 2 - Winter 2015 | Page 8

FIRE SERVICE RELATED CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF THE CEREMONIAL SQUAD Past and present members of Staffordshire’s Ceremonial Squad celebrated their 25th anniversary at a special event. Since the group was formed in 1990, approximately 70 serving or retired personnel have been members, many of whom attended the ceremony. During the event at Sandyford Community Fire Station, they were each presented with a commemorative medal by Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford. Mr Dartford said: “Members of the Ceremonial Squad have worked tirelessly for a quarter or a century to represent the Service at a range of local, national and international events. They play a vital role in raising our profile and promoting the excellent work that firefighters and other member of the team do.” “It was a real honour to meet the people who have served on the squad in years gone by as well as those who continue to represent us. I would like to thank them for their continued support and to wish them well as they work alongside us, giving their time freely and voluntarily, in the future. They are greatly deserving of our appreciation.” Secretary to Staffordshire’s Ceremonial Squad Alan Smith, who has been a member for 25 years, added: “The presentation evening was a very moving event and it was wonderful that both past and present members of the squad were recognised for the work that they have done. It is a privilege to be able to represent Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at a wide range of official events, including the remembrance parades which we recently attended at Ypres in Belgium, and we will continue to raise Staffordshire’s profile for years to come.” The Ceremonial Squad represents Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at remembrance parades, medal presentations, funerals, weddings and prestigious events. Annual events attended by the squad include the remembrance parades in Ypres, Belgium, the Firefighters Memorial Parade in London and mayoral parades in Stafford, Stoke and Newcastle. 08