TWO Johnstone-based emergency call responders have been shortlisted for a national award.

Fiona Price, 35, and 32-year-old Fiona Hannah answer 999 calls at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Operations Control room and mobilise resources to incidents across a huge area covering from Lochgoilhead to Lockerbie.

They have been shortlisted for the Award for Services to the Public for their efforts to help keep people safe.

Ms Price, who has been with SFRS for six years, said: “We are often faced with difficult situations. Each time you start your shift, you are never quite sure what’s ahead of you but we pull together as a team and meet any challenges that come our way.

"Fiona and I are humbled to be considered for this award.”

The Control Room Awards shine a light on individuals and teams who go above and beyond in their roles every day and are the only accolades of their kind to recognise such work across the UK.

A total of almost 400 nominations were received from 80 organisations for this year's awards.

Ms Hannah, who has been part of the control room team for four years, said: “I am really pleased to be shortlisted for this award.

"Working in the control room takes a lot of knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure our operational firefighters respond quickly, while also supporting and reassuring members of the public."

The awards are run by APD Communications, which develops software used by the emergency services, with the winners to be announced next month.

Libby Logan, SFRS area commander control, said: “Fiona Price and Fiona Hannah will be great ambassadors for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the awards ceremony.

“They are both an example of how committed control firefighters are to protecting our communities in often quite difficult emergency situations.

“I would like to thank each of them for their dedication and professionalism.”

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