A Lambeth Borough based fire officer has received a Metropolitan Police commendation for his work with the police and the local community
Station Manager Ian Black was presented with the Borough Commander’s Commendation at a special ceremony on Tuesday, 19 June at the Museum of Garden History, Lambeth Palace.
Ian was recognised for the instrumental role he played in establishing the Lambeth Safety Council. This community partnership, made up of representatives of the three emergency services, Lambeth Council, and other agencies, co-ordinates and delivers safety and citizenship activities across the borough.
Mainly targeted at school age children, these have included events in junior and secondary schools focusing on issues such as fire safety and drug and alcohol awareness. The partnership has also launched an inter-school safety quiz, which takes place at Brixton, Clapham and West Norwood fire stations, where all of Lambeth’s 62 primary schools are invited to answer questions on subjects including fire, road and water safety.
Ian Black’s work with the Lambeth Safety Council has also paved the way for firefighters' involvement in the annual Lambeth Summer Project run by Lambeth Police and Lambeth Council. The project is designed to take youngsters off the streets and involve them in sports, trips and other structured activities. As part of the 2006 scheme, he arranged for fire engines to visit project sites and for fire crews to interact with young people. This will continue in 2007 with firefighters attending all of the project venues each day.
Station Manager Black said: “I am delighted to receive this award. Community involvement is an important part of getting our fire safety messages across and the feedback I have had from firefighters who have taken part in initiatives like the Lambeth Summer Project has been excellent. As well as being able to provide positive role models for young people in the borough, it has also helped the Brigade to build up good relations with them.”
Chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, which runs the London Fire Brigade, Val Shawcross added: “Community safety and youth engagement work – as well as working with our partners in the other emergency services - are an important part of London Fire Brigade’s drive to save lives, reduce fire related crime and prevent fires from occurring in the first place. The commitment of members of staff like Ian, and the outstanding contribution that they make, play a vital role in helping us achieve our principle aim of making London a safer city.”
Borough Commander of Lambeth Police, Chief Superintendent Martin Bridger, also praised Ian's contribution. "Ian's commitment to community safety and youth engagement work is outstanding. He has ensured that the Fire Brigade is recognised as a key partner in raising safety awareness with children in Lambeth. His engagement, drive and energy significantly contributed to last year’s Summer Project which was a resounding success. He is doing what matters most, namely actively helping our local youth to understand and appreciate the importance of safety," he said.
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