A FIREMAN who was badly injured attending a 999 call, has relished his new community role and even picked up an award for his hardwork.

Grandfather-of-two Andy Bramley was unable to continue with his active role at WGC fire station, after a crash left him with spinal problems.

With his 25 years’ experience Mr Bramley was keen to continue in the service and joined the community fire safety team.

Mr Bramley, of Howlands, WGC, along with colleague Jeff Hall from the community team, was recognised by chief fire officer Roy Wilsher in the Heart Awards (Hertfordshire Excellence Achievement Recognition and Thanks).

The pair won the most innovative community safety initiative of the year for their work with sixthformers across the county including youngsters at Chancellor’s School in Brookmans Park.

Mr Bramley, who has three grown-up daughters and is married to Amanda, teamed up with Megadrive – a road safety event – to teach youngsters that although the fire service does cut people out of car wrecks, it is better not to cause the crashes in the first place.

Their hard-hitting campaign would see them talk to those thinking about getting behind the wheel about the importance of seatbelts, where to sit in the car, driving in different weather conditions and demonstrated when things go wrong with a serious of real -life anecdotes and photos.

At the awards ceremony their citation read: “They are always enthusiastic, hardworking and dedicated in achieving the goals of the project and ensuring young people are safer on the county’s roads.

“They stepped in at short notice to help deliver the scheme to 1,000 sixthformers over a two-week period.”

*Hatfield firemen Simon Dredge and Peter Hill were also rewarded – see this week’s Welwyn Hatfield Times.