Fire service colleagues recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warmly welcomes the announcement of the King’s Birthday Honours by His Majesty the King, which includes the recognition of several members of the fire and rescue services community.

NFCC Chair, Phil Garrigan, commended those recognised for their outstanding dedication, exemplary service, and leadership within our fire and rescue services, noting that their contributions have made a significant and lasting impact on both the profession and the communities they serve.

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. Their achievements bring pride to the entire UK fire and rescue service family.

“Those recognised represent the breadth and depth of roles across our services, reflecting the professionalism and commitment that underpins everything they do. 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.

“This is also an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work carried out year-round by all our fire and rescue personnel – professionals whose unwavering service and sense of duty ensure the safety and resilience of communities across the country.”

The list below highlights people from fire and rescue services who have received an Honour.

King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM)

• Sonja Sinclair-Elechi, Payroll Officer, Welfare and CIST Manager, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
• Patrick Goulbourne, Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade.
• Ian Marritt, Station Manager, Health, Safety and Environment and Organisational Learning, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
• Jonathon Le Page, Lately Chief Fire Officer, States of Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service.

Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Robert Warren, Director of People and Development, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to Fire and Rescue.

Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Steven Amor, Lately Watch Manager, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Mid Wales.
• Deborah Haynes, Head of Dorset Civil Contingencies Unit, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the Resilience Community.
• Shahbaz Shah, Firefighter, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Lancashire.
• Dawne Stephenson, Professional Standards Manager, London Fire Brigade. For services to the Fire and Rescue Service.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

• Muhammad Ahsan, Community Safety Officer, Essex Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Essex.
• Andrew Buttery, Volunteer, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Staffordshire.
• Brian Cole, On-Call Firefighter, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Bishops Waltham.
• Michael Grimshaw, Watch Manager and On-Call Section Commander, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. For Public Service.
• Louis Hiatt, Watch Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Aberdyfi and Tywyn.
• Andrew Horner, Crew Manager, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. For Public Service.
• Stuart Plaskett, Watch Manager, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to Charity.

NFCC

See Full Bio