PORLOCK Fire Station Officer Hugh Pollard has been awarded a long service and good conduct medal in a ceremony held at Somerset Fire and Rescue Service headquarters. And Nether Stowey Fire Station has received recognition for the substantial amount raised for the brigade's Benevolent Fund. The presentations were made on July 13 at Hestercombe House where there event was hosted by Chief Fire Officer Clive Kemp. Among the guests were Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Gass, who presented Station Officer Pollard with his medal, and High Sheriff of Somerset Sandy Evans. Lady Gass said it was particularly appropriate to honour the work of the Fire and Rescue Service in the light of the emergency services' response during the recent London bombings. "There aren't many civilian services that are awarded medals by the Queen and I think this shows how much what the fire service does is appreciated. "It recognises how important the service is and the range of difficult conditions that have to be contended with, from heath fires and hazardous chemicals to urban areas. "This medal shows how much people appreciate, and are grateful to fire service personnel for what you do and the dangers you face in serving and protecting your communities." Somerset County Council chairman Cllr Alan Gloak presented the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund Awards, to recognise those fire stations that have raised significant sums for the charity throughout the year. Nether Stowey Station Officer Chris Flay was presented with the award for the highest total collected in the North area. Nether Stowey Fire Station also received a Benevolent Fund certificates for raising over £1,000 in the past year. In his address, Mr Kemp said: "These people represent the very best of the fire service tradition, that is of teamwork, of helping others and of putting others before oneself. "Any service is only as good as the people who work in it and this is especially true of Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. I know our staff only want to do a good job - serve the community and help friends and neighbours."