New Year's Honours 2023: Wiltshire firefighter among those with awards

Samuel Allison, who is a station manager for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, has received a King’s Fire Service Medal.

The award comes just days after he became the first black referee at a Premier League game in 15 years.

He has been recognised for promoting greater inclusivity across Dorset and Wiltshire by establishing and leading a network that helps the service engage with minority ethnic staff.

A fire service spokesperson said that Mr Allison has been instrumental in helping the organisation to be a better and more inclusive employer.

The service praised his outstanding leadership and hard work, which has led to significant improvements in how the service works, including an increase in the amount of employed staff from minority groups.

During the pandemic, Mr Allison led the service’s efforts to increase the take-up rates of the Covid-19 vaccine from under-represented groups and remote communities, such as those living on Wiltshire's canals and rivers.

He said: "I feel incredibly privileged to be awarded with such a distinguished medal. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me in my career and been a part of my journey, supporting my vision for a more inclusive workplace.

"I  would like to extend my gratitude to Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell and Assistant Chief Officer Jenny Long for their leadership, guidance and support in my mission.

"I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues and the community for helping me reach a stage where I can proudly accept this award as a mark of my achievement.

"I will continue to drive change, challenge adversity, and always strive for excellence. Thank you for this unexpected and humbling award.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service station manager Sam Allison with his King's Fire Service Medal (Image: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service)

He combined his football referee and fire service passions when he worked closely with Swindon Town Football Club to support their PL Kicks project, which aimed to inspire the younger generation to work in the fire and rescue service.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “I am absolutely delighted that Sam has been recognised nationally for his outstanding leadership, passion and commitment to making the fire and rescue service inclusive for all.

"I send congratulations to Sam on behalf of everyone at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, this medal is extremely well deserved.”

Elsewhere on the honours list, Henrietta Barkworth-Nanton, who is the co-founder and patron of The Joanna Simpson Foundation and chair of the Refuge charity, will be made a CBE for her services to people affected by domestic abuse and homicide.

UK Faculty of Public Health president Professor Margaret Rae, of Chippenham, will also be awarded a CBE for her services to public health and public health standards.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel David Whimpenny will receive the same honour for his voluntary service as a board trustee of the Royal British Legion in Salisbury.

Four Wiltshire residents will soon become MBEs.

Penelope Brown will be awarded the accolade for her services to charity and the community in Salisbury, while Ministry of Defence civil secretary Joanne Loftus will be honoured for her services to defence.

Arts and Humanities Research Council chief operating officer Alexandra Vincent, of Royal Wootton Bassett, will be made an MBE for her services to research funding.

Army Bereavement and Aftercare Services team leader Belinda Winstone, of Salisbury, has been recognised for her services to military families.

New Medallists of the Order of the British Empire include John Boyne-Aitken, of Trowbridge, for services to heritage crafts, as well as Hilary Jenkins, of Salisbury, for services to the Wiltshire community during Covid-19, and Tytherton Lucas organist Dr Christopher Kent for services to music and musicology.