A firefighter has been honoured for her work in the management of the island’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lieutenant Russann Francis won the Public Service Excellence Award for December.

She was congratulated by David Burt, the Premier, and Derrick Binns, the Head of the Public Service.

A government spokeswoman said that Lieutenant Francis was recognised for her “outstanding service and leadership” as the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service’s representative on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation team, part of the Ministry of National Security.

She added: “Since being seconded to the DRRM team from her substantive post at the BF&RS, Lieutenant Francis has played an essential role in the design and strategic implementation of various pandemic response processes and programmes.

“These included repatriation flights, hotel quarantine, security and others.

“Lieutenant Francis’s support for the many public-facing critical programmes is an example of how she has shouldered a great deal of responsibility in caring for the needs of the community throughout the pandemic.

“She continues to work on related emergency response policies.”

Dr Binns said: “On behalf of myself and the public service executive, thank you Lieutenant Francis for your tireless dedication to the Bermuda community.

“Your award is well deserved.

“You have delivered above and beyond reasonable expectation, demonstrating your commitment and stewardship to this country in a truly exemplary way.”

Mr Burt said that the DRRM brought together all of the island’s disaster plans and made sure that agencies and government departments were “engaged, prepared and fully committed”.

He added: “Lieutenant Francis stepped up to serve her country at a time of dire need, delivering selflessly and with honour, and we’re extremely proud of her service.”

The government spokeswoman explained that the public service excellence award was designed to "encourage outstanding achievement and recognise public officers who are demonstrating admirable service delivery“.

A public sector worker or team is chosen for special recognition every month.