East End fire chief gets Queen’s Medal for getting kids off street
THE fire chief responsible for setting up a programme in London’s East End getting youths off the streets has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours. Nigel Hall has been recognised for his role in setting up the flagship Life’ youth scheme
THE fire chief responsible for setting up a programme in London's East End getting youths off the streets has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal in the New Year's Honours.
London Fire Brigade Group Manager Nigel Hall has been recognised for his instrumental role in setting up the flagship 'Life' youth engagement scheme.
The programme began eight years ago at Shadwell fire-station in London's East End, in an area rife with arson and vandalism, and is now being rolled out across the country.
"The success in getting youngsters involved in the Fire Brigade is down to everyone who works on the programme," said Nigel. "Receiving this award is recognition for their hard work and commitment."
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The 'Life' programme was established in 2002 when Nigel was Borough Commander at Tower Hamlets.
Around 4,000 youngsters in London alone have so far benefited from the scheme, which helps youngsters 'at risk' of social exclusion to raise their self-esteem by getting them to carry out activities related to the fire brigade.
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Nigel, now 49, joined the Brigade in 1980 at 19 and has spent most of his career in East London.
He was watch manager for seven years at Bow fire-station, then neighbouring Bethnal Green until becoming borough commander in 2001. He is now at Brigade HQ in the 'community fire safety' team.
