A local Firefighter has made it through to the national finals of the Council Worker of the Year Awards 2008. From over 350 nominations, Firefighter James Bayliss has been shortlisted as one of six finalists in the Care and Commitment category, the only firefighter to be selected.

A firefighter for 15 years, originally stationed at Kempston then Dunstable, and now Watch Commander at Harrold Fire Station in north Bedfordshire, James has been nominated by his Line Manager Station Commander Guy Munno:

‘James has played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating his team of retained firefighters at Harrold, working incredibly hard to make sure that local people have a Fire Station to be proud of. He has a great sense of community spirit and is known as Fireman James by the local children. He genuinely cares about the community, not just as a firefighter, and is actively involved in village life in his own time’, said Guy.

James has been a great support to the local schools, providing fire safety education as well as helping the pre-school and lower school PTA. He is working to introduce a young firefighter scheme to the village, coaches local cricket teams as is the quizmaster at his local pubs. James is also a wildlife enthusiast, giving talks to local children with his collection of insects. Father Christmas makes an appearance at the pre-school thanks to James and over the years he has helped to raised thousands of pounds for charity. Already completed the 3 peaks challenge his latest fund raising effort is to cycle 980 miles from John O Groats to Lands End aiming to raise £3,000 for The Firefighters Charity and Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice.

The winner will be decided by the public, who are asked to vote for their favourite nominee. The winner will be announced on 3rd July 2008 at a Gala Diner in Bournemouth by BBC presenter Jeremy Vine: These awards are fantastic because they show the standards that are being set by people who really understand what public service is. It’s not about politics, it’s sheer hard work that will scoop these awards.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller is hoping the public and fire services across the country will vote for James: ‘I am delighted that James has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. It recognises not only his individual dedication and achievement but also the amazing work of firefighters across the UK who serve their communities and raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity every year.’