Jersey firefighters selected as finalists for national Pride of Britain award

Three Jersey firefighters are finalists for a national Pride of Britain award. Jonny Burch, Chris Sweeny and Nick Willis were nominated for their daring rescue of a swimmer at St Ouen's in August 2023. They are up against four others for the This Morning Emergency Services Award. 

Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo and screened in a primetime slot on ITV, Pride of Britain is the biggest show of its kind on British television. This year the event is celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary.

Every year, the Pride of Britain Awards receive tens of thousands of public nominations, and a team of researchers carefully compile a shortlist, before the judging panel, made up of celebrated figures in national life, chooses the winners.

If they win their category, Jonny, Chris and Nick will be honoured in front of a star-studded audience at the glittering Pride of Britain Awards dinner at Grosvenor House in London.

As sponsors of the Emergency Services category, this week a film crew from ITV's This Morning, filmed at Fire HQ and will be sharing the story of the rescue on national TV on Wednesday 16 October, between 10:00am - 12:30pm. 

Speaking on behalf of the three firefighters, who have been overwhelmed and embarrassed by the immense support from Islanders, Jonny Burch said: “It was a real surprise when we found out that we had been nominated for a Pride of Britain award for the sea rescue at St Ouen's Bay.

“It wasn't something that we would have expected, but it is a great honour.

“It was a very dynamic incident, and it is a privilege to work in an organisation such as ours, where teamwork is so important and there is such a reliance on your team to have your back when needed.

“It's great that we've got the support of all the team on the Watch, because the whole thing is a big team effort."

Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown praised the trio for their efforts on the night of the rescue, and for the awareness they have raised around these types of incidents and the Service's work. He said: “We are proud of and delighted for Chris, Jonny and Nick.

“This recognition reflects on them, their colleagues and all the wider team.

“This type of rescue isn't every day, but this does happen. Our firefighters regularly put themselves in harm's way and do very courageous things, very skilfully, to save others.

“It is dangerous, but the way that they manage that danger is what makes us proud. They are extremely competent, very professional, and diligent in the way they go about their business."