Firefighters Mark Grimes and Rob Hunnybun were recognised for their dedicated long service to the Isle of Wight community as they were presented with their 20 year Long Service and Good Conduct Medals by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Apter yesterday (Monday).
Mark joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as a retained firefighter at Freshwater back in October 1999 at the age of just 18. For a number of years, he was the youngest firefighter on the Island. He subsequently joined Ryde as a wholetime firefighter in 2011.
Rob joined the service as a retained firefighter at Ryde Station in February 2001, moving to wholetime 9 years later in 2010. Both firefighters trained under the expert guidance of DCFO Apter, in his then position of Sub Officer in the Training Department.
With the awards ceremony being delayed over the last year, both Mark and Rob personally requested that their medals be presented by DCFO Apter, as he had played such a big part in their 20 years of service. This was also Deputy Chief Fire Officer Apter’s last official appointment prior to his retirement at the end of this month.
FF Hunnybun said:
“It was an honour and privilege to have been presented my medal by DCFO Apter”.
FF Grimes added:
“Since training in 1999, DCFO Apter has always been there to support me throughout my career and my recent return to work following a period of sickness, so it means a lot to have him present our medals today”.
Article continues below this advertisement
During the presentation, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Apter stated that he was honoured to be presenting their awards on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and spoke of the commitment that both Mark and Rob have given to their communities, with the support of their families, over the past 20 years.
The pair both served their 20 years working for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and now proudly wear the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service badge following the service’s merger in April 2021.
