The honour has only been bestowed on the Defence Animal Centre and HMS Quorn but the efforts of the town's crews at a string of major incidents recently won universal plaudits.
Councillor Sheldon, who has adopted Melton Fire Station's Trumpton Fun
d as his charity of the year, said: "The call for freedom of the borough is a tremendous idea because the service our firefighters give the community is second to none.
"When you consider they all have full-time jobs and families, too, you have to take your hat off to them. When their pagers go off they drop everything to get to the fire station within minutes. They really are quite unbelievable.
"This year is also the 30th anniversary of Trumpton, the firefighters' community fund."
The Mayor's charity dinner will be held on October 3 at the Alpine Restaurant at the Grange Garden Centre, Asfordby Hill.
- Tickets, to include a three-course meal followed by raffle, disco and karaoke, cost £25. Mr Sheldon said: "It will be a fun, informal evening but I'll be humming rather than singing - I don't think I'd even make the X-Factor auditions!" To book call Councillor Pam Posnett on (01664) 823188 or e-mail pposnett@melton.gov.uk
The full article contains 234 words and appears in Melton Times newspaper.
