Fire service colleagues recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) welcomed the King’s Birthday Honours announcement from His Majesty the King, which includes several members of the fire and rescue services community. NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham, praised the efforts of those recognised, citing their dedication to their work and leadership within the fire and rescue sector. 

The list below highlights people from fire and rescue services who have received a King’s Birthday Honour. 

NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham, said: 

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 

• Paul Murphy, Area Manager, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the Citizens of Ukraine.
• Richard Ogden, Chief Fire Officer, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Boxwise Charity Foundation. For services to the community in Cumbria and to Young People in the UK and Abroad. 

British Empire Medal (BEM) 

• Simon Bacon. For public service in Surrey and West Sussex.
• Stephen Bousfield, Heritage and Ceremonial Services Coordinator and Fire Cadet Inspector, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Merseyside.
• Robert Chew, Firefighter, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Littleborough, Greater Manchester.
• Steven Edginton, Crew Manager, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Oxfordshire.
• Paul Francis, Community Development and Safeguarding Manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. For services to Public Safety.

King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) 

• Robert Barber, Chief Fire Officer, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. 
• Gary Carroll, Crew Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
• Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. 
• Ross Haggart, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
• Lorraine Taylor, On-call Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
• Roger Thomas, Chief Fire Officer, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.