ILMINSTER NEWS: Monumental demonstration of dedication and commitment

THE annual Ilminster Citizens Award has been presented to somebody who has helped to keep people safe from danger for more than 30 years.

The award  – presented to somebody who has worked hard to make the town a better place and who deserve recognition for their efforts – was presented on Tuesday (May 9, 2017) night to Andy Miller, a retained firefighters with 32 years’ service to the Fire Service.

He was nominated for the award by his colleagues and it came as a complete shock to him when he realised that it was him who was going to receive the recognition from the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch.

The award was presented at Greenfylde First School during Ilminster Town Council’s Annual Community Assembly where the town looks back on the previous 12 months.

The Mayor said: “Andy has given 32 years of service to the Fire Service and through his position as a retained firefighter shown exceptional commitment to the town and the surrounding area.

“As Ilminster Station Commander, Andy has led his crews by example – he has given up time with family and friends to keep the fire engine operational and made many other sacrifices to protect the people of Ilminster without them ever really knowing.”

Cllr Keitch added: “More often than not Andy is on call every hour of the week. It is a monumental demonstration of dedication and commitment to stay within five minutes travel of Ilminster Fire Station and this dedication is not only shown by Andy, but is also a reflection of his family’s support.”

Andy’s family and many of his Fire Service colleagues were at the meeting to witness the presentation.

He was literally lost for words, but said that he would like to thank everyone who had been involved in putting his name forward for the award.

“I’m not sure how everyone kept this quiet from me – but it really does mean a lot,” he said.

PHOTO - TOP: The Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch, with Andy Miller, of Ilminster Fire Service.

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