Sean has served as a firefighter for an amazing 30 years. Oxfordshire’s Vice-Lord Lieutenant, Brian Buchan, attended the prestigious event at Blenheim Palace, on Tuesday 30 April, to present, by royal warrant, the long service medals, each of the firefighters having completed at least 20 years’ service. Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety, said: ‘Our annual awards ceremony reflects both the fire and rescue service and Oxfordshire communities’ appreciation and gratitude to frontline officers, as well as to support teams, fire cadets and volunteers for their devotion to duty over many years. ‘This year is the 50th anniversary of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service. A proud moment for every one of us.’ Sean Absolom joined Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service as an on-call firefighter in 1994 and initially served in Wallingford, where he grew up, and Kidlington. He switched to Goring fire station in Icknield Road four years later after accepting a regular job in the village as a carpenter. He was promoted to leading firefighter soon afterwards and was made Watch Manager in 2004. Congratulations to Sean on his award and a huge thank you for all his many years of service to our community