Fire pair’s blaze of glory

LONG service honour . . . County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk (centre) with Stephen (left) and Phil

TWO Oldham firefighters have received long-service awards.

Watch commander Phil Courtnell and firefighter Stephen Gaunt have been honoured for completing 20 years’ exemplary service.

They were presented with their awards from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith.

Stephen (39) joined the fire service in 1990 and was posted to Blue Watch in Chadderton where he still works.

Phil’s first post was at Philips Park in East Manchester, followed by promotion to crew commander at Gorton in 1999. The 47-year-old from Royton transferred to Heywood in 2001 where he is now watch commander.