Decades of dedication: colleagues celebrate a total of 1,700 years at London Ambulance Service

The extraordinary commitment of 70 colleagues at London Ambulance Service has been celebrated at a moving Celebration of Service event in central London yesterday (13 November).

Colleagues from across the organisation with more than 20 years of service — including those working on ambulances, in 999 control rooms and behind the scenes — were recognised for their outstanding contributions.

Together, those honoured have given more than 1,700 years of service.

I love what I do

Among them was paramedic Nick Osborne, Operations Officer for the Service’s Tactical Response Unit – a specially trained team that responds to terror attacks, firearms threats and other major incidents in London and beyond.

He said: “It really doesn’t feel like 30 years because I love what I do. I’ve been a paramedic on ambulances, a flight paramedic on London’s Air Ambulance and now I’ve got the most exciting job of the lot!”

Frontline colleagues with 20 years of service were presented with either the Queen’s or King’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, while those in corporate roles received the London Ambulance Service Medallion.

Frontline staff with 30 or 40 years of service were awarded a Clasp, which attaches to the ribbon of their medal. Those in non-operational roles received pin badges.

Eligibility for the medal was updated last year by Royal Warrant, meaning that for the first time 999 call handlers and dispatchers were able to receive this prestigious recognition for their long service and good conduct.

Every day is different

Recipients included dispatcher Zafar Sardar and watch manager Marnie Parker.

Marnie said: “I still love my job because every day is different. I started as a call handler, and over the phone you can help a mum deliver a baby or instruct someone on giving CPR and saving a life.

“On a day like this, when we are celebrating our long service, you really think about all the thousands of lives you’ve made a difference to. And now my daughter has joined – she’s a trainee out on the ambulances.”

Drive to help people

Zafar said: “I never intended to stay this long but I have really enjoyed it, and I’ve had the chance to do so many different things over the years. It really is such a rewarding job to know that what we do changes lives. I’ve learned so many skills – and I also have a lot of stories!

“Lots of things have changed, but there has always been teamwork and that drive to help people.”

Dedication and commitment

Chief Executive Jason Killens presented the medals. He also has nearly 30 years’ experience in the ambulance sector – and had worked alongside many of those collecting their long service awards.

Jason started at London Ambulance Service in 1996 at just 21-year-old where he stayed for nearly 20 years before taking up leadership roles in both Australia and Wales. He returned to London earlier this year.

Jason was joined on stage by Chair Andy Trotter, Chief Medical Officer Fenella Wrigley, Chief Financial Officer Rakesh Patel and Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer who all welcomed and introduced the special guests.

Jason said: “I just want to say a heartfelt thank you for the incredible dedication and commitment of our people who have given more than 1,700 years of service.

“That’s 1,700 years of saving lives, helping patients and caring for Londoners in their moments of greatest need. We are immensely proud of their contribution and the way they have shaped the Service we are today.”

To find out more about a fulfilling career with London Ambulance Service, visit our vacancies page on our website.