Awards for airshow disaster rescuers

PEOPLE from across West Sussex were recognised for outstanding service to their communities.

The Chief Fire Officer Commendations were presented at an awards ceremony on Wednesday.

Those honoured at The Assembly Rooms, in Chichester, included members of the public, serving firefighters and those involved in the Shoreham Airshow disaster.

Chief fire officer Lee Neale told recipients, dignitaries and invited guests: ‘It is important to recognise these acts of courage, dedication and selflessness.’

West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith said: ‘However much training and preparation one has, nothing can prepare you for the actual reality of what happened on August 22, 2015.

‘Our Fire and Rescue Service were there within minutes and got on with their jobs. For those brave people the memories of that day will live with them.’

Among those recognised were Worthing firefighters, the technical service unit, and Sussex Control Centre staff.