SUPPORT given to an Oswestry firefighter by her employers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

Chloe Upton is a project support officer at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, but also works as a retained firefighter with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The specialist hospital received the prestigious ‘Employers Working in Partnership – Helping to Make our Community Safer’ plaque from SFRS at a glittering awards ceremony held at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury.

Chloe was also presented with two awards at the SFRS Celebration of Success 2023.

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Sally Davies, project management office (PMO) lead at the RJAH, said: “The team is so proud of Chloe.

“The training is no small feat but some of the callouts are so involved, both physically and mentally, and then to return to her PMO role in between where she is also brilliant.

“She is a real asset to both organisations and the community.

“Three of us were invited to Chloe’s graduation, along with Chloe’s family members, and we had an extra surprise as I was presented with the plaque, representing how we have supported Chloe by working flexibly so that she could attend training and answer on-call bleeps during the working day when on rota.”

Chloe was presented with the Top Student and Student’s Student Awards at the ceremony.

Chloe said: “I felt extremely supported by both Sally and my colleagues throughout my training and I really appreciated their patience while I took leave to attend the training weeks.

“I am lucky to have a role at RJAH that allows me to take on another role that I love.

“I was extremely chuffed when I won the Student Choice Award. My group formed a strong bond experiencing the intense training together, so it was nice for them to vote for me.

“Then winning Top Student as well was a massive surprise to me, the representative from the Training Team told me it was very well deserved, and I felt super proud.”

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Stacey Keegan, RJAH chief executive, added: “I am extremely proud of Chloe for what she has achieved while remaining dedicated to her project work here at RJAH.

“Chloe is a fine example of how to go above and beyond to support the community.

“I am not surprised she was awarded Top Student, and the Student Choice Award, both very well earned.

“What an incredible achievement.”