A CUMBRIAN firefighter has been named among prestigious recipients of a New Year Honour.
Group Manager John Wall, is to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for the charitable services he has volunteered to undertake on behalf of The Fire Fighters Charity.
Mr Wall has been involved with the charity for over 20 years.
He said: “I am truly honoured and extremely proud to receive this award for something that I love doing every day.
"I’d like to say a big thank you to my colleagues within Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, their families, friends and the local communities for all their years of support, help and hard work.
“I know there are so many other fantastic volunteers making their own contributions towards The Fire Fighters Charity, I feel humbled to be awarded the British Empire Medal.”
The Fire Fighters Charity is the UK's leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families. The vision is to make a positive difference by supporting people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.
John joined Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter in 1998, and over the last 24 years he has volunteered to organise events to help raise much-needed funds for The Fire Fighters Charity (FFC) and led on all promotional activity within Cumbria FRS. He also volunteered to be a company member and a home visitor for the charity, which enabled him to assist both serving and retired colleagues in their time of need.
Chief Fire Officer, John Beard, said: “John is an incredible ambassador for The Fire Fighters Charity here in Cumbria and the British Empire Medal is really a testament to all of his hard work.
"Volunteering for the charity for over 20 years shows his dedication and enthusiasm to make a real difference for the charity, fire service colleagues and for the communities he serves.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, has congratulated all the award winners:
She said: “To be awarded an Honour is a huge achievement and I do congratulate all the recipients whose contributions to our communities make such a difference.
“I would encourage people to think about someone that they know who always goes the extra mile for others and who has made an outstanding contribution to their community or to their area of work over the years. Anyone can nominate a person for an honour and I am very keen for people who have given exceptional service to receive the recognition they deserve.”
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