Telgian announces recipient of the Pat Ryan Team Spirit Award

by People

Telgian have recently announced Branko Mitkovski is the recipient of the 2020 Pat Ryan Team Spirit Award. The award is the most prestigious honour bestowed at Telgian each year and was created in memory of former Telgian associate Pat Ryan.

This award recognizes the spirit of teamwork and it is presented annually to the Telgian Team Associate who best embodies Pat Ryan’s legendary example.

“It is a great honor to present the Pat Ryan Team Spirit Award,” says Telgian Executive Chairman Russell Leavitt. “We are blessed with hundreds of deserving associates which makes the decision most difficult, but incredibly rewarding.”

Essential member

This year’s recipient, Branko Mitkovski, is the company’s Director of Information Technology and is a 22-year veteran of the firm. As an essential member of the Telgian team, Mitkovski is responsible for managing the entire IT infrastructure across all offices throughout the country and abroad.

In addition, he handles server issues, equipment purchases, software updates and implements switches, firewalls and servers. Although he says, “My goal is always to do my job well enough that people aren’t even conscious of what I’m doing behind the scenes,” his teammates are highly aware of the incredible value he brings.

“I love my job and enjoy being able to help people in any way I can. It truly makes me smile when I know I’ve made a difference to someone, be it large or small,” says Mitkovski. In addition to Mitkovski, two other finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the company. These include Account Manager Cecilia Lopez and Security Designer John Carosello

Excellence in Fire & Rescue Awards: SFRS nominated

by Uncategorized

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been nominated for emergency service of the year at the Excellence in Fire and Rescue Awards 2019.

As well as being nominated as the top performing fire and rescue service in Britain, the service was also nominated for Emergency Services Collaboration of the year and the service’s director of finance and contractual services, Sarah O’Donnell, was also nominated for the Most Influential Woman in Fire award.

Martin Blunden, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s chief officer, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for these awards alongside colleagues from across the UK. To be shortlisted is in itself an achievement, particularly given the incredible, innovative work that is taking place the length and breadth of the country –  not only by  fire and rescue services, but by the partners and organisations that work alongside us every day to help keep communities safe.

“My congratulations also go to Sarah O’Donnell – this is a much-deserved award nomination. Sarah’s role in ensuring SFRS continues to deliver a world-class service in a difficult financial environment can never be understated. I am incredibly proud of what this Service has achieved so far, and my thanks has to go to every one of our staff members. It is your hard work and dedication that has earned these nominations. Our best wishes go to all nominees on the big night.”

O’Donnell added: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this award alongside esteemed colleagues from across the UK. The standard of nominees in this category is incredibly high, and I have to give thanks to all the staff in my directorate who have helped make such a nomination possible.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at One Great George Street in Westminster next month on December 6.

Road safety initiative from DSFRS awarded military commendation

by Uncategorized

A prestigious military commendation has been awarded to the staff from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS).

The military commendation was awarded to DSFRS for its bespoke road safety initiative Survive the Drive – aimed at reducing road traffic collisions within the Armed Forces, Royal Navy, RAF and Marines.

DSFRS watch manager Chris Boston, station manager Laura Pratt, and SAFE South West charity co-ordinator Steve Smith and crew manager Dan Lester were awarded the Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation alongside the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The awards were made by Admiral Tim Fraser CB ADC at a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Main Building in Whitehall at the end of October.

A “high quality and thought-provoking” training programme was designed and produced by the team, and Survive the Drive was delivered across military bases in the south west with the aim of reducing incidents of road traffic collisions within the armed services, which are statistically at an increased risk of a road traffic collision than civilians.

Laura Pratt, station manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “Survive the Drive, builds on the strong partnership network between defence and the Fire and Rescue Services. We are delighted to receive this commendation and to have played a part in creating this valuable addition to road safety initiatives”.

London Fire Brigade nutritonist scoops top award

by Uncategorized

A London Fire Brigade nutritionist has been awarded for his efforts to improve the healthy eating habits of firefighters.

The first ever dedicated nutritionist employed by a fire and rescue service, Greg Lessons won ‘Nutritionist of the Year’ at the Caroline Walker Trust awards. Lessons was selected from leading nutritionists around the country competing for the prize.

A firefighter for 17 years at Shoreditch, Leyton and Hornchurch fire stations, Lessons began studying for a masters in Nutrition at London Metropolitan University five years ago. His dissertation focussed on firefighter nutrition, and how firefighters could improve their health by eating better on duty.

After graduating with a distinction, Lessons was appointed as a full time nutritionist for London Fire Brigade and is now on a long term secondment. Working with firefighters to develop personalised nutrition plans, Lessons helps them make healthier food choices and also holds food preparation masterclasses with firefighters across the capital.

Lessons commented: “To be awarded the title of ‘Nutritionist of the year 2019’ is fantastic and I’m thrilled beyond belief! I was judged against four eminent UK nutritionists and I’m so proud to be chosen. It was also an honour to represent the Brigade and to raise the profile of nutrition, health and wellness in the workplace. A huge thanks goes to everyone who has supported me along the way.

“Firefighters work extremely busy shifts and can be called out on a shout any second. For that reason, they tend to eat large portions and quickly. They also work anti-social hours and, like many other night workers, often want quick energy so their choice of snacks are often not the healthiest.

“We know firefighters need to be fit to do their job and eating the right diet is essential to achieve this. Also, nutrition can significantly impact mental health and be used as a valuable tool in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.”