Fire service and fire sector recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours

by Featured NewsPeople

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.

King’s Birthday Honours 2025: UK fire and rescue personnel awarded for outstanding service

by Featured NewsPeople

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.

Four New Zealand fire personnel recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

by Featured NewsPeople

Recognition for services to fire and rescue across New Zealand

Four long-serving fire and rescue volunteers from New Zealand have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The awards include a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and three King’s Service Medals for contributions to search and rescue and community safety in Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā and Taihape.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan said: “These awards recognise the outstanding contributions that our people have made to Fire and Emergency, Search and Rescue and their local communities over many years.”

Honours awarded for decades of volunteer rescue service

The highest award was presented to Ronald (Ron) Ealam of Oxford, who was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that Mr Ealam has volunteered in land search and rescue for over 50 years, contributing 25 years to training dogs through New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs.

He has been a qualified national trainer and assessor for more than ten years, specialising in training border collies.

Mr Ealam was involved in the 2011 Canterbury earthquake response and has chaired the Oxford Land Search and Rescue Group for over a decade.

The organisation noted that he received the New Zealand Search and Rescue Excellence Award in 2023 for his service.

Fox Glacier volunteer recognised for leadership and emergency response

Marius Bron, based in Fox Glacier, received the King’s Service Medal for his role in local emergency coordination and volunteer leadership.

According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Mr Bron has been involved in various voluntary roles since 1999, including firefighting, civil defence, and first response.

He leads the South Westland Land Search and Rescue Group and supports the Department of Conservation by maintaining alpine huts.

Mr Bron was commended for helping rescue injured climbers on Mt Rolleston and facilitating community infrastructure such as the Emergency Services Centre.

He is also Operations Manager at Fox Glacier Guiding, a business supporting tourism in the area.

Community leadership in Matatā and Taihape acknowledged

Fire and Emergency New Zealand also reported that Gavin Dennis of Matatā was awarded the King’s Service Medal for four decades of service to the fire brigade and local governance.

Mr Dennis is Chief Fire Officer of the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade and played a central role in flood responses in 2005 and 2017.

He launched a cadet programme in 2014 to recruit young firefighters and served on school boards and community groups from 1993 to 2019.

Alan (Curly) Troon of Taihape received the King’s Service Medal for service to Fire and Emergency and local activities.

Mr Troon has served in the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1991 and led the rebuild of the town’s fire station.

He is active in promoting Taihape’s gumboot throwing events through the New Zealand Boot Throwing Association and has participated in international competitions.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand stated that Mr Troon has supported local sports and ambulance services and continues to mentor young people.

Four fire and rescue volunteers honoured in 2025 King’s Birthday list: Summary

Four New Zealand fire and rescue personnel have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

The information was reported by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Ronald Ealam of Oxford received the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Marius Bron of Fox Glacier, Gavin Dennis of Matatā, and Alan Troon of Taihape each received the King’s Service Medal.

Mr Ealam has contributed more than 50 years to land search and rescue.

Mr Bron volunteers in multiple emergency response roles and leads local initiatives.

Mr Dennis has served as a firefighter and community board member for over 30 years.

Mr Troon is a life member of the Taihape Fire Brigade and community organiser.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand acknowledged all recipients for their community dedication.

King Charles III visits CSIRO bushfire research lab in Canberra, Australia, focusing on bushfire and climate research

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

CSIRO hosts King Charles III at bushfire research facility

His Majesty King Charles III recently visited the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra, hosted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), as part of his sustainability-themed visit to Australia.

As reported by CSIRO, the King engaged with Australian scientists working on innovative bushfire research to understand wildfire behaviour and enhance protective measures for communities and fire response teams.

This visit follows King Charles’s previous tour of a CSIRO site in Canberra in 1966, when he observed research at the Division of Wildlife Research at Gungahlin as a young prince.

CSIRO Chief Executive Doug Hilton stated that the research conducted at the lab is addressing not only national but also global challenges associated with wildfires.

Dr Hilton said: “The rising threat of extraordinary landscape fires has shown that uncontrollable and devastating wildfires are becoming an expected part of our seasonal calendars. Not just in Australia, but across the globe.”

King Charles observes wildfire demonstrations and meets emergency personnel

King Charles III observed two demonstrations at CSIRO’s bushfire research lab.

The first demonstration involved the use of a ‘Pyrotron’ combustion wind tunnel, which simulates fires in a safe environment to allow scientists to study various influences on wildfire behaviour, including fuel types and wind.

Dr Matt Plucinski, CSIRO Senior Research Scientist, led the demonstration and described the Pyrotron’s role in understanding bushfire dynamics and improving suppression and prediction methods.

Dr Plucinski said: “Understanding changing weather patterns due to climate change and the likelihood and behaviour of bushfire outbreaks helps to increase resilience in Australia and overseas, especially in regions that previously haven’t been that prone to bushfires.”

Following this, King Charles met with emergency personnel, including ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Rohan Scott and members of the Tidbinbilla volunteer brigade, and observed a ‘burnover’ drill.

This drill showcased the bushfire response capabilities of ACT Rural Fire Service’s heavy tanker, which is equipped to protect firefighters during intense wildfire conditions.

CSIRO’s bushfire protection systems and international collaboration

CSIRO’s ongoing research into fire-resistant protection systems for fire trucks was presented to King Charles during his visit.

CSIRO developed a burnover protection system that includes specialised spray nozzles, heat shields, and fire-resistant components.

These systems, developed in collaboration with fire agencies such as the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), were first tested during the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria, where they protected eight fire crews without loss of life.

The systems proved vital in subsequent fires, including the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020.

According to Justin Leonard, CSIRO Bushfire Adaptation Research Leader, the burnover protection systems are now widely implemented across Australia and are being shared internationally.

Mr Leonard said: “We are sharing the research, both in terms of the designs for trucks and the way we validate and test the systems through the use of a purpose-built bushfire burnover simulator situated in Mogo NSW.”

CSIRO reflects on royal connections and ongoing commitment to bushfire research

This marks the first visit by a reigning monarch to Australia since 2011.

During the visit, CSIRO highlighted previous royal connections, such as the use of CSIRO-developed Aerogard insect repellent to protect Queen Elizabeth II from flies during her 1963 visit.

The product became widely popular after journalists noted its effectiveness during her tour.

The King’s visit provided CSIRO with an opportunity to present advancements in bushfire resilience amid escalating climate challenges.

Mr Leonard added: “Protecting lives and the environment as we deal with more severe and frequent bushfires is an important process for us to get right under climate change.”

King Charles III visits CSIRO bushfire research lab in Canberra, Australia, focusing on wildfire and climate research: Summary

King Charles III visited CSIRO’s National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra to gain insights into bushfire science and emergency response capabilities.

Hosted by CSIRO as part of his sustainability-focused trip to Australia, the King observed the Pyrotron, a combustion wind tunnel used to study wildfire behaviour.

He also met with Australian scientists and emergency personnel for a ‘burnover’ drill demonstrating advanced fire truck protection systems developed by CSIRO.

CSIRO Chief Executive Doug Hilton and Bushfire Adaptation Research Leader Justin Leonard highlighted how such research assists fire agencies in managing wildfire risks.

His Majesty King Charles III becomes Patron of The Fire Fighters Charity

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The King accepts Patronage of The Fire Fighters Charity

His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the Patronage of The Fire Fighters Charity.

This announcement coincides with the anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation and continues the Royal Patronage that began with Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The late Queen held the Patronage for 69 years until her death in September 2022, expressing great affection for the charity throughout her reign.

Chief Executive Sherine Wheeler expressed the organisation’s pride in welcoming The King as their new Patron.

Wheeler said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as one of His Majesty’s charities and are immeasurably proud to welcome The King as our Patron.

“The Patronage of The late Queen, over almost seven decades, reflected the high regard in which our fire and rescue services – and those who work for them – are held by the Royal Household.

“So, I am delighted that we can continue to honour this legacy under the Patronage of His Majesty The King.”

Continued royal support for The Fire Fighters Charity

The Fire Fighters Charity has a long history of support from the Royal Household.

Queen Elizabeth II referred to the organisation as an “outstanding charity” in a letter marking their Diamond Jubilee year.

John Baines, Chair of The Fire Fighters Charity’s Trustee Board, echoed the sentiment of gratitude: “On behalf of the Charity’s Board of Trustees, all our beneficiaries, and indeed all those who work for our fire and rescue services, I am proud to welcome His Majesty The King as Patron of The Fire Fighters Charity.”

In recent years, the charity has worked closely with The Royal Foundation and has been part of the Emergency Responder Senior Leaders Board.

This collaboration included a visit from Prince William, the then Duke of Cambridge, to Harcombe House in 2019, highlighting the ongoing relationship between the charity and the Royal Family.

Legacy of royal patronage

The Fire Fighters Charity began its Royal Patronage with Queen Elizabeth II when she became the Patron of the then Fire Services National Benevolent Fund.

Her 69-year Patronage helped the charity grow and receive recognition for its services to fire and rescue personnel.

Sherine Wheeler emphasised the importance of this legacy: “The Patronage of The late Queen reflected the high regard in which our fire and rescue services are held by the Royal Household.

“Continuing this under the Patronage of His Majesty The King is a significant honour for us.”

Commitment to supporting fire and rescue services

The Fire Fighters Charity remains dedicated to supporting those who serve in fire and rescue roles.

Their work, bolstered by Royal Patronage, continues to provide essential services and support to firefighters and their families.

Fire Service Personnel awarded in King’s New Year Honours list

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A number of people from fire and rescue services have been recognised in the New Year Honours list. These are the first honours to be bestowed on the public by His Majesty King Charles III and include the first King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM). 

The following were awarded:

OBE

  • Ann Millington (QFSM), Chief Executive, Kent Fire and Rescue Service. For services to Fire and Rescue. 

MBE

  • Terry Jewell, Station Manager, Essex Fire and Rescue Service. For services to International Search and Rescue (Essex)

BEM

  • Bryan Lynch, Watch Manager, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Lincolnshire 
  • Tom Hatfield, Station Manager, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the Covid-19 response in Shropshire
  • Ian Satherley, Secretary and Treasurer, Avon Fire and Rescue Service Pensioners Association. For Voluntary and Charitable Service 

K.F.S.M.

  • Darren Dovey, lately Chief Fire Officer, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
  • Derek James, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
  • Christopher Kemp, Senior Fire Protection Manager, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
  • John Roberts, Chief Fire Officer, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
  • Dawn Whittaker, Chief Fire Officer, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
  • Alan Aitken, Watch Commander, South Lanarkshire, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
  •  Robert Strang on call Crew Commander, Carradale in Arygll and Bute, Scottish Fire and Service

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council Mark Hardingham congratulated all those who have received the awards: “Once again, people from fire and rescue services have been honoured and this time by His Majesty The King. I am delighted that we continue to see people from fire and rescue services being honoured, and I am incredibly proud to see colleagues included for their outstanding work.

“As ever, it has been a busy year for fire and rescue services, the heatwave brought many challenges which firefighters and 999 control staff coped with admirably, all fire services were involved in supporting four convoys of fire appliances and equipment to help support firefighters on the frontline in Ukraine along with the superb day to day prevention, protection and response work in local communities.

“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all those honoured this year by the King. I continue to be immensely proud of staff across fire and rescue services and their outstanding dedication and commitment to the people they serve.

“These are prestigious honours recognising those who have committed themselves to serving and helping the country, are outstanding at what they do, make a difference to their communities or field of work; improve life for people and display moral courage.” 

Watch Commander Aitken, who’s served for 34 years, said: “It’s an honour and, to be quite truthful, my wife and family deserve it more than me for what they’ve put up with over the years, especially when you’re getting ready to go to family parties or weddings and you’re late because you’re on call.

“The crews I’ve worked with throughout my career are also a part of this too. I just love the job and helping people in my own community.”