The last year has seen communities challenged like never before, with fire service personnel among millions across the world going above and beyond to lend a helping hand to those most in need.

Now, as we continue to celebrate each and every one of them, Her Majesty The Queen has recognised many members of the fire service family in her Birthday Honours List 2021.

The full list of 1,129 people includes those who have worked throughout the crisis, with the majority of awards this year dedicated to the contributions people have made in their communities. Included in the honours too is Kresse Wesling, founder and Chief Executive Officer for Elvis and Kresse, who has been awarded a CBE for services to Sustainable Business. Elvis and Kresse has been supporting the Charity from the very start – donating 50% of profits from its fire hose range to the Charity.

“On behalf of our Company Members, Trustees and everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I extend my warmest congratulations to all those members of the fire services community who have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year,” says our Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey. “Learning about their varied and considerable contributions in support of their communities during this challenging past year is humbling. It is wonderful to see so many receive such well-deserved recognition. Thank you.”

Those honoured include:

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Jessica Grayson: Watch Manager Control, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to mental health.

Bernadette McKiernan: Crew Manager, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the community.

The Queen’s Fire Service Medals

Stephen Apter: Deputy Chief Officer, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for exemplary service in a Principle Officer capacity, at four Fire and Rescue Services.

Antony Darren Clark: Watch Manager, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Rose Elizabeth Fearnley: Watch Manager, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and their most remote communities.

Fleur Holland: Firefighter, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for services to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Alexandra Johnson: Chief Fire Officer, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for distinguished service in the fire service.

Darryl Anthony Keen: Chief Fire Officer, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Awarded for exemplary service to the fire service.

Carole Glendinning: Firefighter Control, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

John Miller: Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, Head of Service Delivery West Area, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Ronald McIntyre: Watch Commander – Training Instructor, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Kresse Wesling: Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Elvis and Kresse. Awarded for services to Sustainable Business.

A massive congratulations to everyone named on the Honours List, especially those people representing the fire service community, from all of us at The Fire Fighters Charity.