Two King’s Fire Service Medals awarded in New Year’s Honours

Two members of staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) with a combined 65 years of service have been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM).

On call firefighter, Watch Commander David Gibson is based at Penicuik Community Fire Station and has spent over 44 years helping to protect his local community, while Iain Morris, Head of Asset Management has over 20 years of service overseeing SFRS buildings, equipment and vehicles.

His Majesty The King has recognised their efforts in the New Year’s Honours List.

As an on call firefighter, Watch Commander (WC) Gibson has balanced his role with SFRS while also working full time as a mental health nurse until he retired from the NHS in 2021.

He used his experience in mental health to become a Wellbeing Champion for SFRS, providing support to colleagues in the Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders areas.

WC Gibson was also involved in the integration of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) co-location at Penicuik Community Fire Station.

Speaking about his award, WC Gibson said: “I am immensely proud and honoured to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal, even to be nominated by my peers, is very humbling.

“It has been a privilege for me to serve communities as an on call firefighter attending many notable emergency incidents and fires over the years, working with many great teams and individuals.

“I would like to thank all those that I have worked with and also my family for their unwavering support.”

As Head of Asset Management, Iain Morris oversees the administration of SFRS assets, which includes over 1,600 vehicles, thousands of items of equipment and over 600 buildings, as well being responsible for more than 200 staff.

Iain, who lives in Airdrie, started working with Strathclyde Fire Brigade in 2002 and has over 20 years of Fire Service experience. He has worked as Fleet Manager, Deputy Director of Operations and Head of Corporate Support

He took on the role of Head of Asset Management in 2013, at the formation of The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) from the eight legacy services.  For the last two years, Iain has worked as the Interim Director of Asset Management.

During his time, Iain has driven forward many improvements in processes including initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across the estate. Iain and his team also ensured the SFRS corporate buildings along with stores and fleet workshops continued to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On receiving his award, Iain said: “It is very humbling but an honour to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal and to have the work of Asset Management recognised within SFRS.

“I am part of a large team of professionals who are fully committed in supporting the Service to serve the communities of Scotland, as well as continually striving to make improvements.

“Throughout the years, I have received overwhelming support from those I have worked with, and I would like to extend my thanks to them, as well as to my family.”

Iain is also involved in the Veterans/Reservists Group and has helped SFRS achieve the Gold Standard for the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

For the last 10 years he has been the Honorary Vice President of the Scottish Fire Brigades Trust and has helped establish the Fire Museum and Heritage Centre in Greenock.

He served almost eight years as a Trustee of the SFRS Family Support Trust where he helped to raise the charity’s profile.