Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating with three members of staff today who have been recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours List.
Watch Manager Chris Martin from Ramsbury Fire Station has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the local community. Area Manager Andy Cole and Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell have both been recognised with a Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM).
Watch Manager Chris Martin has served the community of Ramsbury and surrounding area for over 40 years, joining Wiltshire Fire Brigade in October 1979.
Area Manager Andy Cole joined the fire and rescue service in July 2004 as an on-call firefighter in Castle Cary, Somerset. He joined Dorset Fire and Rescue Service in January 2008 but remained on-call with Devon and Somerset until 2018.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell joined Dorset Fire Brigade in September 1994. In 2006, he worked for Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate. On his return, he led on key aspects of the planning for the 2012 Olympics in Weymouth. When Dorset and Wiltshire combined in 2016, he was Director of Operations for the new Service and became Chief Fire Officer on 1 December 2016.
Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox, said: “It is a real honour and excellent news to have three members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service staff recognised by Her Majesty The Queen.
“I send my warmest congratulations to all three of them.”
