A FOUNDING member of Solihull’s Community First Responder has been shortlisted for a top award.
Sam Jackson, who has dedicated more than two decades volunteering is up for an Outstanding Citizen Award by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Over the years Sam has responded to 999 calls as a Community First Responder (CFR), mentored young people through Taekwondo, and inspired the next generation in classrooms.
PCC Simon Foster said: “Sam Jackson embodies the very best of civic duty.
“Her selfless dedication over two decades has saved countless lives and made an enduring difference to her community. People like Sam are the backbone of our region, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
The British Airways employee’s voluntary journey began with fundraising efforts for Solihull Hospital and children’s charities, before serving ten years with the Territorial Army’s Intelligence Corps.
In 2005, she joined the West Midlands Ambulance Service as a CFR, becoming a founding member of the Solihull CFR Scheme – now the FastAid charity – where she later served as vice chair and chair for nine years.
In 2018, she co-founded Central Fast Response, a charity that has since trained more than 7,000 local people in lifesaving skills.
Now marking her 20th year as a CFR, Sam continues to respond to emergency calls in her spare time, while also delivering CPR and first aid training to schools, businesses, and community groups. Her service has earned her the Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Queen’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Alongside her ambulance work, Sam has also volunteered as a Special Constable with Warwickshire Police, patrolling local communities, supporting neighbourhood teams, and promoting road safety through Community Speed Watch programmes.
As a voluntary Taekwondo instructor, she has taught hundreds of students discipline, respect, and confidence, with 13 achieving black belts under her guidance.
As a British Airways Inspire Ambassador, she has been sparking ambition in schools and colleges by running STEM sessions and aviation career workshops.
