Father-of-four receives medal for 20 years at special ceremony

A DEDICATED fireman who has honed in on his skills to motivate troubled youths has been awarded for 20 years of service.

Roy Stewart, a watch manager at Park Royal fire station, was presented with a long service medal at a special ceremony recognising devoted firefighters.

In addition to saving people’s lives the 48-year-old, who joined the service in 1991, has spent the last three years running the brigade’s LIFE course which trains young people.

Mr Stewart, a married father-of-four, was presented with his medal by London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson.

He said: “It has been a great experience working with the brigade.

“I had a chance to do a variety of roles, from first-hand firefighting and providing support to our crews at incidents from the brigade’s command unit centre, to promoting fire safety amongst some of the most at risk communities.

“When I first joined, most of our work was focused on fire fighting and training, now however we are regularly involved in community fire safety, fitting free smoke alarms and offering home fire safety advice when and where necessary.”

Another turning in Mr Stewart’s career was taking the reins of the LIFE course which allows youths to spend a week training with firefighters to improve their motivation, confidence and teambuilding skills.

The participants have usually been involved in arson in their homes or at their schools so the course highlights the seriousness of what they may see as a game or fun.

Mr Stewart said: “Trying to help some of those youngsters who are struggling to make a success of their lives through instilling some discipline and self belief, is a fantastic thing to be part of.

“As a father of four myself, both of these schemes leave me with a definite sense that we have made a real difference in the lives of all of these young people.”