One of Dorset’s most senior fire chiefs, a prison officer and a long-serving nurse are among those to be recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list.
The list has recognised incredible public service of individuals from across the United Kingdom and includes a number of Dorset residents.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Derek James will receive the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the communities of Dorset and Wiltshire.
Mr James has worked in Dorset’s fire service since 2002 and was appointed to his current role in 2017 having played a key role in the formation of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) in 2016.
Speaking about receiving the award, Mr James said: “I am honoured to have been recognised by His Majesty. Throughout my career I have always done my utmost to help ensure we are a strong fire and rescue service that serves our communities well.
“I work alongside a bunch of fantastic people who work tirelessly at all levels to help make this happen. This award says as much about them as it does me.”
Receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) is Janette Radford, a prison officer at HM Prison The Verne on Portland. She is being recognised for services to prisoners and to AgeUK.
Janette has worked for the prison service for 24 years and is responsible for community based work with offenders - linking in with local charities, food banks and homeless organisations.
She said: “I am very honoured and blessed to be considered worthy of being considered for the Kings New Years’ Honours”
Lieutenant Commander Anthony Eagles RN, recently a helicopter policy specialist for the Civil Aviation Authority, is to be made an MBE.
Lt Cdr Eagles, of Sherborne, is being honoured for services to aviation safety having recently retired from the CAA with over five decades of aviation experience having previously served in the Royal Navy.
He said: “It’s an honour to be recognised by former colleagues for my part in many years' work to improve the operational safety standards of all aspects of civil aviation”.
Highly respected by colleagues and peers alike, Anthony retired in 2022 after a
distinguished career in aviation of over fifty years, including being awarded the Air
Force Cross in 1978 for the rescue of 12 of the 33 crew from the oil rig Orion that ran
aground on Guernsey in severe storm force winds.
“Tony’s exceptional experience, invaluable depth of knowledge and wise council
have been an immense benefit, and the aviation community we serve has been
much safer as a direct result” said Rob Olney, Head of Safety and Business Delivery
at the CAA.
Long-time nurse Mary Buck has served the Swanage and wider community for more than 30 years, opting out of retirement to aid the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Dorset.
Mary, 70, said she was “absolutely blown away” to find out she would be awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the NHS.
A nurse at Swanage hospital for 30 years, Mary has been a voluntary member of St John Ambulance since the age of ten and said one of her biggest thrills has been training the next generation of health workers.
“The pleasure I’ve had from working with young people and teaching them has been great,” she said.
“Seeing them grow up to become respected doctors, nurses and paramedics has been a huge joy for me.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel