Britain’s emergency services have been honoured at ‘The Global Awards 2018’ – a ceremony recognising the best in radio music, news and programmes from 2017. Commissioner Dany Cotton picked up the award on behalf of all the UK’s emergency services.
Listeners from radio stations across the country including Capital FM, LBC and Heart FM were given the opportunity to vote for winners in a variety of categories that included the ‘The Best News Moment, Interview or Debate’ of the year.
The overriding suggestion by the public was to recognise the dedication and bravery of the nations first responders – fire brigade, police and ambulance – for unwavering heroism during some of last year’s atrocities.
Huge honour
TV presenter Kate Garraway presented the award to Commissioner Cotton. Speaking at the event, Kate Garraway said: “It’s my huge honour to present such an important award tonight.
“This category meant the public were able to suggest anything to be nominated. The overriding theme that kept coming through was of course last year’s multiple tragic events, whether that be Manchester, Grenfell, London Bridge or Westminster Bridge.
“Amongst all that tragedy, which affected us all in some kind of a way, one theme kept emerging again and again. Something that is common to all these events. And that is the brave and courageous response to each and every one of those cases of our first responders.
“I’m talking about the incredible police, fire, ambulance and rescue services that were first on the scene. They often witness things that no person however much training should ever have to witness and have had to do things that no person should ever be asked to do. They are, in my view and I’m sure in your view, true heroes.
“Rather than giving this award for journalistic coverage of these news stories, it seemed frankly only fitting that this award should go to each and every first responder that dealt with the multiple and tragic events last year. So to them, we all say thank you.”
Incredibly tough year
London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton, receiving the award on behalf of all the country’s fire and rescue services, said: “First of all, thank you so very much to everybody who wanted to recognise the work of the emergency services.
“Last year was an incredibly tough year for all of us and I’m immensely proud to be standing here representing all of the UK fire service for an outstanding year and very proud to be doing so with my two colleagues here. The work we do together as blue light services is outstanding.”
