King’s Birthday Honours celebrate dedication in fire and rescue services
Iain Hoey
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NFCC welcomes King’s Birthday Honours announcement
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has welcomed the King’s Birthday Honours announcement from His Majesty the King, which recognises several members of the fire and rescue services community.
As reported by the National Fire Chiefs Council, NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham, praised the efforts of those recognised, highlighting their dedication to their work and leadership within the fire and rescue sector.
Hardingham stated: “I want to extend my congratulations to all members of our fire family who have received well-deserved recognition for their service, dedication, and leadership in the King’s Birthday Honours list today.”
Members honoured for their contributions
The King’s Birthday Honours list includes several notable members from the fire and rescue services who have been awarded for their exemplary service.
Paul Murphy, Area Manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to the citizens of Ukraine.
Richard Ogden, Chief Fire Officer of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and CEO and Co-Founder of Boxwise Charity Foundation, was also honoured with an MBE for his services to the community in Cumbria and to young people in the UK and abroad.
Other awardees include Simon Bacon, who received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for public service in Surrey and West Sussex, and Robert Chew, a firefighter at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, recognised for his services to the community in Littleborough, Greater Manchester.
Recognition for public service and community impact
The honours list also highlighted individuals who have made significant contributions to public service and community safety.
Stephen Bousfield, Heritage and Ceremonial Services Coordinator and Fire Cadet Inspector at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, received the BEM for his services to the community in Merseyside.
Paul Francis, Community Development and Safeguarding Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, was awarded the BEM for his dedication to public safety.
The King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) was awarded to several distinguished individuals, including Robert Barber, Chief Fire Officer of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Dr.
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
Comments from the NFCC Chair
NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham, expressed pride in the recognised members and their contributions: “These awards shine a spotlight on their efforts, their impact, and the difference they make in their communities across the country. They have done the UK fire and rescue service proud.”
He continued: “This is a reminder of how lucky we are that our sector continues to attract many dedicated individuals who go above and beyond every day to ensure the safety and well-being of those they serve.”
IFSJ Comment
This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list is a testament to the dedication and hard work of those within the fire and rescue services.
Recognising individuals from various regions and roles highlights the diverse contributions made by these professionals.
Each awardee has shown exceptional commitment to their community, whether through public service, safety initiatives, or leadership roles.
The inclusion of both long-serving members and those who have made significant impacts in specific areas illustrates the broad scope of influence that fire and rescue service personnel have.
The recognition from His Majesty the King brings attention to the often-overlooked efforts of these individuals and emphasises the importance of their roles in maintaining public safety and community well-being.