Avon Fire and Rescue in New Year Honours

28 January 2010

The Avon Fire and Rescue Service has been recognised by The Gambia in the country’s New Year honours. The service received the honour of Commander of the National Order of the Republic of The Gambia, the highest awarded by President Jammeh, in recognition of the vast amount of life saving equipment sent via a charity set up by former chief fire officer Dave Hutchings.

The Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership was set up after Mr Hutchings witnessed a fatal road accident whilst on holiday in The Gambia. After returning to the UK he set up a charity to raise money to ship to The Gambia, any equipment no longer being used by Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Since the charity began twelve new fire stations have been built in The Gambia and 800 jobs have been created.