Coronation medals given to Tarbert’s fire crew
Every member of Tarbert’s eight-strong rural retained fire service crew have been honoured with the King’s Coronation Medal.
The on-call crew gathered at Tarbert Community Fire Station on Thursday to be presented with their medals by King’s representative Kenneth MacNab MBE DL, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Tarbert, North Kintyre and South Knapdale.
A thank you gift from the nation, the medal commemorates the coronation for the people who helped make it happen.
It is being given to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and armed forces that have completed five full calendar years of service and to everyone who directly contributed and supported the coronation day on Saturday May 6 last year.
As Mr MacNab said, the recurring theme through all of the recipients is their commitment to serving their communities.
Watch commander Aggie Dennis, crew commander Duncan MacGregor and firefighters Lorraine Taylor, Gordon West, Patrick McIntyre, Callum MacDonald and Lewis Preston were all at the service. Stuart Allen, firefighter, who was not present, is also a medal recipient.
Mr MacNab said: “The last time the medal was awarded was in 1953 after the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II.”
Describing the Tarbert crew members as “simply excellent,” he said: “I feel very privileged to be given the honour of presenting these.
“The late Queen Elizabeth II last presented these medals in 1953 at the start of her long and dedicated reign of 70 years and her son, the new monarch King Charles III, has continued this tradition.
“It is one that dates back to 1547 and is an important and significant award.
“Coronation medals are awarded to all members of the armed forces, emergency services and prison officers with at least five years’ service, members of the royal household and those who organised the coronation.
“Clearly there is a theme running through all of this, with the common word being ‘service’ and those who serve the crown, their country and the community.
“Whether you are fighting in a foreign country over desert lands, or fighting a chimney fire in Eastfield, or as all too often, sadly dealing with a fatal crash on the A83, whatever the circumstances, you are serving your King, country and community.”
He added: “Your coronation medal can be seen as a commendation and thank you for your service from his majesty King Charles and Queen Camilla and an appreciation for all you do for your nation and community. You may wear them with pride.”
Watch Commander Aggie
Dennis said: “We are all very proud to have received this award and we are all proud to serve the community.
“They are an outstanding crew, all dedicated personnel, and well deserving of this recognition.”