Lionel Furbert was named Firefighter of the Year at a special award ceremony held yesterday where colleagues and family members gathered to celebrate.

The award is in honour of fallen firefighter William Glasford who passed away in 1997.

Mr Furbert, who has been with the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service for close to 22 years, was surprised by the win.

He told The Royal Gazette: “I was really shocked, I actually shed a few tears and we had a big joke about it afterwards. It was very unexpected, I had no idea whatsoever. My family snuck in the back of the room so I didn’t even know they were there until I went up on stage and turned around I saw them all there so that was really nice — very touching.”

Mr Furbert was one of five fire men who braved treacherous conditions to attempt to save four Bermudians who ended up dying in the 2003 storm.

Recalling the day, Mr Furbert said: “My wife was nine months pregnant with my son at the time — my son was born less than a month later.

“I could have lost my life also — the water was coming over. There were five of us we all got bravery awards. That was the event that stands out the most [in my career] especially considering my son was almost born and to think I might not have ever seen him.

“It is a stressful job you see a lot of different things but you have to remember what you were taught and be professional.”

Aside from his courageous act during Fabian, his colleagues also recognised Mr Furbert for his general standard of service.

“When I do something on the job whether it be cleaning a vehicle, mopping the deck or fighting a fire I do my best — 100 per cent — in everything I do.

“My work ethic comes from my mother and father. They said if you are going to do something either do your best or don’t do it at all.

“Three gentlemen, Harry Washington, Craig Tucker and David Malpas, showed me how to do my job, how to be professional on the ground and all the ins and outs of becoming a fireman. They showed me there were no shortcuts — they did everything right the first time.”

Asked what advice he would give to an aspiring firefighter, Mr Furbert added: “You have to be professional, brave and caring. We do a lot of medical work also so you have to have some compassion when you are dealing with patients and the public — they have feelings.

“But you have to be brave when it comes to going into a building where there is a fire burning — people are running out and you are running in it does take courage. Being a firefighter you have to work as a team member — you are only as strong as your weakest link.”