We’ve kicked off the new decade with celebrations this week, as HM The Queen has named several members of the UK’s fire services community have been named in the New Year’s Honours List 2020.

The list recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom. It consists of Knights and Dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards to servicemen and women, as well as civilians. This year, 15 deserving individuals from across the UK’s fire services community have been honoured for their services to the community.

“We send our warmest congratulations to all those from across our community who have so deservedly received honours,” said The Fire Fighters Charity Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey. “It is absolutely wonderful to see so many deserving people recognised for their tireless efforts and dedication in supporting not only their fire services and communities, but also The Fire Fighters Charity. I am delighted that your hard work has been recognised in this way.”

The full list of recipients from within the fire service is below.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Christopher Kenny, Lately Chief Fire Officer, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the Fire and Rescue Service

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Royston Aldwin, lately Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the voluntary sector

Ludwig Macaulay, awarded for voluntary services to the community and The Fire Fighters Charity.

Colin Todd, Fire Safety Consultant, awarded for services to fire safety.

British Empire Medals (BEM)

Morgan Britton, volunteer, awarded for services to the fire and rescue service and community in Bristol.

Harold Binyon, volunteer, awarded for services to The Fire Fighters Charity and Crook Athletics Club, County Durham.

John Last, Watch Commander, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the fire and rescue service and the community in Suffolk.

Leslie Nicoll, Community Builder, Essex Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the fire and rescue service and Essex community.

Paul Pemberton, Watch Manager and Impairment and Disability Officer, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to hearing impaired people in Essex.

Christine Stead, Executive Support Assistant, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the Fire and Rescue Service

The Queen’s Fire Service Medals

This honour is given to firefighters who have displayed conspicuous devotion to duty, and goes to the following people:

James Hymas, Area Manager, Scottish Fire and Rescue

Rebecca Bryant, Chief Fire Officer, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Philip Hales, lately Deputy Chief Fire Officer, West Midlands Fire Service

Terence McDermott, lately Chief Fire Officer, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service

Brian Reardon, Group Commander, London Fire Brigade

David Harbinson, Station Commander, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Congratulations to all of those honoured on the list.