Fire service and fire sector recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours
Iain Hoey
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King Charles honours fire service members in New Year awards
Firefighters, fire service leaders and fire sector professionals from across the United Kingdom and overseas have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours, announced on 29 December 2025.
The honours acknowledge distinguished operational service, senior leadership, policy contributions and international firefighting work.
King’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service
The King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) is awarded to members of fire and rescue services for distinguished service, leadership and commitment to public safety.
In England and Wales, recipients include Wayne Mitchell Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hannah Mary Caulfield, Group Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Charles Morgan Francis Pugsley, lately Deputy Commissioner of London Fire Brigade.
In Scotland, the medal has been awarded to Alexander Muir, Firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
In the Crown Dependencies, recipients include Mark Christian, Chief Fire Officer of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, and Jane Ann Philpott, lately Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service.
British Empire Medal for Firefighting Services Overseas
The British Empire Medal (BEM) recognises meritorious service worthy of Crown recognition, often at a community or specialist level.
Within the Overseas and International honours list, Terry Curran has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
His citation reads: Terry Curran – Commander, Jávea Volunteer Fire Brigade, Spain. For services to Firefighting in Spain.
This entry reflects international fire service leadership and voluntary firefighting work beyond the United Kingdom.
Fire leadership, governance and public policy roles
Several recipients have been recognised for senior leadership and governance roles that directly shape the fire and rescue sector.
Dr Kirsty Lawrie Darwent has been honoured in her role as Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, recognised for services to the people of Scotland.
At national policy level, Sarah Elizabeth Gawley, lately Director of Fire, Resilience and Major Events at the Home Office, has been recognised for services to public protection.
Within local government and pensions policy, Teresa Clay, Head of Local Government and Fire Pensions at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been awarded an honour for public service.
Fire safety and protection roles within national institutions
The honours list also includes recipients whose roles focus on fire safety, prevention and protection within wider institutions.
William Edward Scott, Head of Fire and Security at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, has been recognised through the Royal Victorian Order.
Jason Stibbs, Fire Surveillance Officer with the Royal Household, has received the Royal Victorian Medal.
Within operational fire services, Peter Fitzpatrick, Station Manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, has been recognised for services to burn victims.
