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News Release

Issued: 25.03.10

At: 4.05pm

For immediate release

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Arson Task Force Receives Prestigious Award

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Arson Task Force (ATF) received an award from High Sheriff Maurice Thompson on 19 March 2010. The ATF received the award ‘in recognition of great and valuable services to the community’ and it ‘recognises the appreciation of the High Sheriff’s County for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community’.

The High Sheriff’s Achievement Award, one of only five presented, was given to Hiren Patel, Arson Task Force Research Analyst. Hiren said:

“It is a great pleasure to receive this award. ATF work hard to lower the number of arson fires each year and to receive such a strong commendation is a boost to the team and to the Service as a whole.”

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is working in collaboration with a seconded police officer from the Leicestershire Constabulary, P.C. Trevor Hancox, and the success of this award can be attributed to the tireless work of the two organisations over a number of years.

In receiving this award, it is clear to see that this represents a positive acknowledgement of what the ATF has achieved since it was set up in 2004. Since the ATF was created, the reported rates of arson have decreased by 50%; from approximately 4700 to 2350 per year.

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Notes to News Desk

Interviews

Steve Lunn, Assistant Chief Rescue Officer and Hiren Patel, Arson Task Force Research Analyst, are available for interview. To organise an interview, please contact Corporate Communications on the number below.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel: 0116 287 2241