Ayrshire cook wins award for keeping firefighters fed and watered for 21 years

Stephen Bark

9 November 2024 at 11:46 am·2-min read

-Credit: (Image: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service)

An Ayrshire woman has received special recognition after supporting firefighters for more than two decades.

Annie Chapman was awarded Support Team Member of the Year at the Ayrshire Tri-Services Awards for her work in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

As a cook, Annie has looked after firefighters and staff across Ayrshire for more than 21 years. She is currently based at Kilwinning Community Fire Station after initially working at Ardrossan.

Alongside her work in the station, Annie was also recognised for her contributions to the local community.

One of her many extra tasks is spreading Christmas cheer when she becomes Mrs Claus and invites people into the station during the festive season.

-Credit:Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The annual Tri-Service Awards recognise people across all the emergency services for their contribution and service to their local communities.

Area Commander Ian McMeekin, SFRS Local Senior Officer for Ayrshire said: “Annie is conscientious and dedicated, going above and beyond to provide hot meals for the Kilwinning crews returning from an incident. Her kindness however extends beyond her job description.

-Credit:Annie Chapman, Support Team Member of the Year

“Whether supporting activities to tackle food poverty, assisting elderly neighbours with health concerns, supporting staff, or contributing to community engagement initiatives at the station, Annie embodies the values of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in everything she does.”

Recipients at the awards also included Stewarton Community Fire Station on call firefighters as Team of the Year, firefighter Stephen McAnespie from Dreghorn Community Fire Station for his work with the beehives throughout the Ayrshire stations, and Lee Swanston for his contribution to the Youth Volunteer Scheme.

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Ayrshire cook wins award for keeping firefighters fed and watered for 21 years

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