Release date: 5 November 2026
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service held its annual Recognition and Achievement Awards Ceremony at Arundel Castle on Wednesday evening (4 November). The event celebrated exceptional individuals and teams across the service for their dedication, bravery and service to local communities.
The ceremony recognised colleagues who have completed 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of service, while also celebrating outstanding individual and team achievements during the past year.
Joining long-service award recipients and award winners at the ceremony were the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mr John Barclay, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Mr Gary Shipton, West Sussex County Council’s Chief Executive, Leigh Whitehouse, and West Sussex County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, Councillor Tracie Bangert.
Among the evening's award winners was Sean Embleton, who received the Career and Lifetime Achievement Award. After joining as an on-call firefighter at Bognor Regis in 1999, Sean secured a wholetime role in 2005 and became a highly respected and dependable member of the station team. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in developing and mentoring both wholetime and on-call firefighters. Before his retirement this summer, Sean served as a Training Instructor, which allowed him to continue to support and inspire the next generation of firefighters.
The Bravery Award was presented to Roy Barraclough for his actions while travelling home from work following a serious incident on the A27. After reports of a man in crisis on a footbridge, Roy stopped to provide assistance and worked alongside a Sussex Police officer to engage with and reassure the individual. Through his calm, compassionate and professional approach, and in partnership with emergency service colleagues, Roy helped ensure the casualty received the urgent medical care and support needed to achieve a positive outcome.
The Team of the Year Award was presented to Worthing White Watch and the on-call crew in recognition of their response to a serious house fire on New Year's Day. Faced with a rapidly escalating incident, crews rescued several people from the property, provided emergency first aid, and worked effectively to bring the fire under control. Their actions prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties and helped save a life.
Councillor Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: "The awards ceremony provides an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people behind our fire and rescue service. From acts of exceptional bravery to decades of dedicated public service, the stories shared this evening highlight the professionalism, care and commitment that our communities rely on every day.
"Congratulations to all those recognised. Their achievements reflect the values of the service and the difference they make to the lives of residents across West Sussex."
Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball said: "Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and these awards are an opportunity to recognise the dedication, courage and professionalism they show every day.
"Whether responding to emergencies, supporting vulnerable residents, training future firefighters or working behind the scenes, every person recognised this evening has made a significant contribution to our service and our communities. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their continued commitment to keeping West Sussex safe."
The full list of award recipients is:
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Badges
20 years’ service
- Liam Clarke
- Daniel Cox
- David Cumins
- Jonathan Fox
- Jason Grubb
- Scott Hainsworth
- Russell Lang
- Adam Mayes
- Daniel Moon
- Lee Penfold
- Gareth Peel
- Simon Phillimore
- Lyndsay Pink
- Stephen Redman
- Peter Sealey
- Carmine Simac
- Mark Turner
30 years’ service
- Daniel Flynn
- Robin Munday
- Lee Newman
- Giles Sparkes
40 years’ service
- Simon Rowles
50 years’ service
- Carol Hart
Commendation Awards
- Sean Embleton (Career/Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Andrew Buddle (Shining Star)
- Julia Graham (Shining Star)
- Gavin McCourty (Shining Star)
- Worthing White Watch and On-Call Unit (Team of the Year)
- Ben Applin (The Community and Partnership Award)
- Mark Checketts (Charity Champion
- Natalia Cao Simetic (Volunteer of the Year)
- Lee Aggett (Exceptional Service)
- Roy Barraclough (Bravery)
