After a year where it often felt like there was little to feel joy for, we’re delighted to kick off 2021 by celebrating those members of the UK’s fire services community named in the New Year’s Honours List 2021.
The full list has been revealed, with fire and rescue personnel recognised alongside NHS workers, scientists, police and entertainers for their incredible achievements. There are 231 people on the list named for their services to the coronavirus crisis and 803 people recognised for outstanding work done in their communities (either voluntary or paid).
“On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to all those members of the fire services community who have been so deservedly recognised in the New Year’s Honours List,” says our Chief Executive Dr Jill Tolfrey. “After a year that has tested our country’s emergency service personnel to the limit, it is fantastic to see so many recognised for their hard work in supporting their communities and our Charity. My thanks and best wishes to you all.”
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Karen McDowell, Station Commander, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Awarded for services to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the LGBTQ community.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Harry Aquilina, firefighter, London Fire Brigade. Awarded for services to the community in London during the Covid-19 response.
Kenneth Ashby, lately Watch Commander, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the community in Suffolk and to The Fire Fighters Charity.
Lisa Barker, firefighter, London Fire Brigade. Awarded for services to the community in London during the Covid-19 response.
David Brewster, Lately Strategic Engineering Manager, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to fire safety.
Martin Cable, Watch Manager, Essex Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the community in Maldon, Essex.
Ashley Gordon, firefighter, London Fire Brigade. Awarded for services to the community in London during the Covid-19 response.
Christopher Martin, Watch Manager and firefighter, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the community in Ramsbury, Wiltshire.
Paul Thompson, Lately Watch Manager, Cleveland Fire Brigade. Awarded for services to the community in Saltburn, North Yorkshire
The Queen’s Fire Service Medals
This honour is given to fire personnel who have displayed conspicuous devotion to duty, and goes to the following people:
Benjamin Ansell, Chief Fire Officer, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Andrew Cole, Area Manager, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Stuart Errington, Chief Fire Officer, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
Trevor Ferguson, Chief Fire Officer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
David Pitt, Crew Commander, West Midlands Fire Service.
Lynsey Seal, Principal Fire Engineer, London Fire Brigade.
Christopher Strickland, Chief Fire Officer, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Martin Blunden, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The list recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom. It consists of Knights and Dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards to servicemen and women, as well as civilians. This year, 17 deserving individuals from across the UK’s fire services community have been honoured for their services to the community.