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Firefighter receives an MBE honour | thisiscornwall.co.uk

THE honours list has recognised the achievements of Cornwall Fire Brigade's Colin Hatch.

The senior staff officer has been awarded an MBE for his services to local government.

Stressing the importance of the team he works with, a humble Mr Hatch said: "I am only a small part of a great team of firefighters, both whole-time and retained, emergency planners and support staff. This MBE may have been awarded to me but in my view is deserved and shared with every one of them."

"It is quite surreal when you first get the news, you think "this is a wind up" and then it sinks in and you are honoured to receive it."

Originally joining the brigade in 1979, he was initially stationed in Camborne.

Since then he has served at Falmouth, Bodmin and Penzance fire stations.

Now based in Truro, Mr Hatch is a keen sportsman who has played and promoted several sports for the fire service.

For a number of years he was involved with the committee for Christmas lights in his home town of Angarrack, where he now plays an active role in repairing and setting out the lights.

Now he looks forward to the new year when he will receive the award.

"Some time in the next six months I will be formally presented with it by a member of the royal family which will be a fantastic honour."

Colin Hatch. Colin Hatch

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