Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service chief receives the Queen’s Fire Service Medal

Chris Lowther has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

The list, which is usually published in June, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and recognises those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service.

Mr Lowther began his career as a firefighter at Gateshead Community Fire Station in 1997 and has held many roles before he was appointed chief fire officer in February 2017.

He has said that the medal is not just a personal achievement but that it is for every member of the TWFRS as a recognition for their hard work.

Mr Lowther commented: “It’s a real honour to receive the Queen’s Medal and I’m extremely proud to accept it not just for my own contributions, but in recognition of the hard work and dedication of my colleagues.

"We have faced some real challenges over the last 10 years or so, including significant budget cuts and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic, but we’ve risen to those challenges together.

“The medal is not just for me, it’s for every member of the service that I couldn’t be more proud to lead.”

Councillor Tony Taylor, chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, was one of the many to congratulate Chris on his medal.

He added: “This honour is a fitting tribute to the commitment and passion that Chris demonstrates every day.

“Under his leadership, TWFRS has made some significant achievements and key contributions to the fire and rescue sector nationally.

"Chris is an inspirational leader because he truly cares. It’s clear to everyone who knows him that his first priority is the safety and welfare of his colleagues and the communities they serve.

“Congratulations Chris, very well deserved.”

This year’s Birthday Honours List also featured many community heroes who had gone “above and beyond” to help out others during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among them are Sunderland schoolboy Theo Wride and young South Tyneside businessman Joshua Trueman, who are both to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM).

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