A DEDICATED firefighter who helped establish a national support group for black and Asian members in the service has been commended for his work after 25 years in the brigade.
Celebrating at City Hall, Harrow fire station watch manager Pierre Marsh accepted his award for long service alongside local assembly member Navin Shah, who called him ‘a remarkable man’.
Pierre Marsh joined the London Fire Brigade in 1987 and has played an important role over the past two-and-a-half decades.
He was a founder member of the Black and Asian Firefighters Group, which is now recognised as a national support group.
Mr Marsh said: “The fire service, for me, is about a duty of service to London and its communities. Being a firefighter is about a journey of development and commitment.
“I am extremely happy to have won this award and to be recognised for my service to the London Fire Brigade over the last 25 years.
“I would like to inspire the local community of Harrow to consider becoming a firefighter.
“I still think that if you have a sense of adventure, and a commitment to one’s communities, then you really must consider joining vocational occupations, such as ours.
“It won’t be easy, but then again, you would not be the type of person you are if you thought it was.”
In 2002 Mr Marsh began an Open University degree at which point he discovered he was dyslexic. He added: “Because of this, I developed my own mechanisms to adjust my learning style to a non-dyslexic educational system.
“Since this time, I have honed these skills to help others, and with my background as a mentor, coach and an expedition leader, empowering others comes naturally to me.”
He obtained an undergraduate degree in social science before heading to Birkbeck University of London, where he completed a master’s degree in race and ethnic relations. He was one of the founding members of BEAM, a support group for under-represented black and Asian firefighters, and is in the process of being selected as chairman of the Disability Working Group within the London Fire Brigade.
Navin Shah said: “It’s invaluable having such dedicated, hard-working people such as Pierre working in the Fire Service for this length of time.
“Twenty-five years is a major milestone and reflects dedication to London’s community and their safety. It was a pleasure to meet Pierre and congratulate him personally on his outstanding achievement.”
