Fire and rescue service personnel across the UK honoured in King’s Birthday list
Members of the fire and rescue community across the UK have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their outstanding service, leadership, and community engagement.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, London Fire Brigade, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service all highlighted recipients whose careers span decades and whose efforts have advanced both operational excellence and public support.
National Fire Chiefs Council recognises broad contributions across UK services
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) welcomed the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours with commendations for personnel across multiple UK fire and rescue services.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our colleagues across the fire and rescue services who have received well-earned recognition in today’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
“This recognition highlights the outstanding service, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by individuals who have made a significant impact within their communities.”
He added: “Their contributions are a powerful reminder of the exceptional people our sector continues to attract – individuals who go above and beyond each day to safeguard and support the public.”
Recipients of the King’s Fire Service Medal included:
- Sonja Sinclair-Elechi, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
- Patrick Goulbourne, London Fire Brigade
- Ian Marritt, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
- Jonathon Le Page, States of Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service
Other honours included:
- Robert Warren (OBE), Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
- Steven Amor (MBE), Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Deborah Haynes (MBE), Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Shahbaz Shah (MBE), Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
- Dawne Stephenson (MBE), London Fire Brigade
- A number of BEMs were also awarded across Essex, Staffordshire, Hampshire, Dorset, North Wales, West Sussex and Cheshire services for community and charitable contributions.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honours work in Nepal and the Isle of Mull
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service highlighted two recipients of the King’s Fire Service Medal for exceptional service both locally and internationally.
Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, an on-call firefighter with Salen Community Fire Station since 1988, was honoured for his extensive community engagement, including CPR awareness programmes, school outreach and pandemic support.
He has raised over £8,000 for charities and has led local fundraising efforts across Mull.
Watch Commander John Aitchison has served for over 21 years, starting with Grampian Fire Brigade.
He led international humanitarian work through Operation Florian, provided training in Macedonia, and played a key role in earthquake response efforts in Nepal and Türkiye.
He co-founded mental health initiative Talk Group 20 Aberdeen and Fire Aid Nepal, helping establish a fire service in the Mount Everest region.
In 2024, he received a Pride of Scotland Award and letters of thanks from King Charles III.
London Fire Brigade recognises leadership in resilience and inclusion
London Fire Brigade celebrated two senior staff members for their leadership and long-standing service.
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne received the King’s Fire Service Medal. With nearly 30 years of service, he leads operational resilience, control, and mobilisation.
He has served in senior command roles during major UK incidents including the Grenfell Tower fire and the 2017 London attacks.
He also serves as the National Counter Terrorism Coordinator for the NFCC.
Goulbourne said: “This award reflects their efforts and shared commitment to keeping London’s communities safe.”
Dawne Stephenson, Professional Standards Manager, was awarded an MBE for her work advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across the Brigade. With more than 40 years of service, she has led efforts to create a more inclusive and representative workforce.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Dawne and Patrick embody the best of what London Fire Brigade stands for. They’ve made a real, lasting difference across the whole fire and rescue sector.”
Hampshire firefighter celebrates 50 years of community service
Brian Cole, an on-call firefighter in Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire, received a British Empire Medal for 50 years of service, alongside a full-time career as an accountant.
Cole has responded to major incidents such as the 2022 wildfires and the Ocado warehouse fire. He has also led numerous local charity and community projects, including school garden renovations and events for children with terminal illnesses.
Cole said: “I feel honoured and very proud to receive this award from His Majesty The King. I have enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the fire service.”
Hampshire Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said: “Brian truly embodies community spirit… Over his career Brian has contributed thousands of pounds and many hours to support many worthy causes, and made a huge difference to so many people’s lives.”
Staffordshire volunteer recognised for supporting retired fire personnel
Andy Buttery, a former firefighter and now volunteer Retired Network Coordinator for Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, was awarded the British Empire Medal.
Since retiring in 2010, Buttery has maintained a network of over 600 retired fire personnel through regular updates, wellbeing events, and the “Living Well” group. He also established a walking club to support physical and social wellbeing among retirees.
Buttery said: “It was a shock but also an honour to receive this recognition for doing a role that I get a great deal of satisfaction from.”
Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: “Andy’s passion and commitment, all on a voluntary basis, is remarkable… His role in managing that network ensures that bond remains strong and that sense of camaraderie remains.”
King’s Birthday Honours 2025: UK fire and rescue personnel awarded for outstanding service: Summary
The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List includes awards for members of the UK fire and rescue services.
The National Fire Chiefs Council recognised individuals from across the country for service and leadership.
Recipients include staff from London Fire Brigade, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Awards given include the King’s Fire Service Medal, OBE, MBE, and British Empire Medal.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recognised Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston and Watch Commander John Aitchison with the King’s Fire Service Medal.
London Fire Brigade’s Patrick Goulbourne received the King’s Fire Service Medal and Dawne Stephenson received an MBE.
Brian Cole of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service received a BEM for 50 years of service.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service volunteer Andy Buttery also received a BEM.
Awards recognised contributions to operations, community engagement, international aid, and post-retirement support.