Tag: Scottish Fire and Recue Service

The King’s New Year Honours 2026 – Police, Fire and Ambulance

Recipients of blue light service medals in Scotland

King’s Police Medal

Joanna Farrell Chief Constable, Police Scotland

Stephen Dolan, Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland

Andrew Freeburn, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland

King’s Fire Service Medal

Alexander Muir, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

King’s Ambulance Service Medal

David Lee Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service

KING’S POLICE MEDAL

Joanna Farrell, Chief Constable, Police Scotland

Chief Constable Joanna Farrell has an exemplary police career spanning more than 33 years across three Forces. For the past 6 years, she served as Chief Constable in Durham Constabulary and continues to serve as Chief Constable in Police Scotland, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision, together with personal resilience and commitment to public service. Recognised as a progressive and personable police leader, she places a clear focus on people, prevention and innovation, delivering a more efficient, effective and community centred policing for the public.

Chief Constable Farrell’s strategic leadership of Police Scotland has been a trailblazer for engaged well-informed decision making ensuring stronger outcomes for communities. She has carried this approach throughout her career, combining vision, collaboration and a clear focus on public benefit.

As the first female Chief Constable of Police Scotland, she is a role model to others both in what can be achieved but importantly how it can be achieved, through hard work and humility and without compromise on values and people focus, including family. Her approach to empowering and enabling staff goes beyond creating an environment for them to thrive, it is evident daily through her own personal demonstration of visible effective leadership in action.

Stephen Dolan, Chief Superintendent, Police Scotland

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan has demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout his 32 years of distinguished service with Police Scotland and formerly Lothian and Borders Police. His career exemplifies unwavering commitment to protecting communities, building vital partnerships, and inspiring colleagues through compassionate leadership.

Beginning in West Edinburgh in 1992, Chief Superintendent Dolan’s early career showcased his tenacity in community policing and crime disruption. A pivotal role investigating sudden deaths and missing persons revealed his profound empathy, and helped shape his understanding of compassionate leadership. This experience propelled him into training roles where he mentored over 500 probationary officers.

In corporate leadership, Chief Superintendent Dolan delivered transformational change. He led the £21 million Mobile Working Project, rolling out devices to 11,000 frontline officers, saving 440,000 hours and enhancing officer safety and wellbeing—deemed “exemplary” by Scottish Government reviews.

Currently commanding Lanarkshire Division’s 1,350 officers serving 670,000 residents, Chief Superintendent Dolan has transformed partnership working. Council and NHS executives praise his compassionate leadership, particularly his advocacy for care-experienced young people and vulnerable communities.

His career embodies dedication, compassion, and distinguished public service worthy of the highest recognition.

Andrew Freeburn, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland

Andrew Freeburn MBE served 32 years in policing across Northern Ireland and Scotland, rising from joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1992 to Assistant Chief Constable within Police Service of Scotland.

As Assistant Chief Constable, leading Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, Cyber and Intelligence with Police Scotland he worked tirelessly to build partnerships at the Scottish Crime Campus, driving collaboration across over 30 law enforcement agencies through the Multi-Agency Tasking and Delivery Board.

As Executive lead for Counter Terrorism, he strengthened key partnerships and embedded a ‘one team’ approach between Police Scotland and CT partners, directly increasing Scotland’s ability to mitigate terrorist threats.

Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn also served as Senior Responsible Officer for the ‘Policing in a Digital World Programme’, developing Police Scotland’s operational Cyber Strategy.

Beyond operational duties, Assistant Chief Constable Freeburn’s commitment to ethics and values shaped policing across the United Kingdom. He contributed to Police Scotland’s ethics framework and devoted 10 years lecturing Law at Ulster University Belfast. His community service included serving as Non-Executive Director for the Simon Community homeless charity (2017-2022) and as Trustee for the Police Treatment Centre and Police Children’s charity.

KING’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL

Alexander Muir, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Alex Muir’s remarkable 46-year firefighting career demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving Glasgow’s communities. Joining the service in 1979, he served at Springburn Fire Station until 1986 before transferring to Cowcaddens Fire Station, where he remains today. Simultaneously, since 1981, he has been a pivotal FBU Scotland union official, now serving as West Area Secretary.

Throughout his career, Alex Muir has been an unwavering advocate for firefighter safety and employee rights, successfully campaigning for improvements that have enhanced outcomes for Scotland’s communities. His operational excellence is evidenced by his response to major incidents including the 1980 Fruit Market fire, 1987 Treron’s Department Store fire, 1989 Belgrove train crash, 1999 Melrose Street fire, 2004 Clarendon Bar fire, and 2014 School of Art fire.

Alex Muir’s unique ability to understand issues from both union and fire service leadership perspectives has helped shape Scotland’s fire service direction. His decades-long involvement in the trade union movement demonstrates sustained commitment to firefighter wellbeing. Through nearly five decades of service, his legacy encompasses not only the fires fought and lives protected, but also the countless firefighters he has supported through his union work.

Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Chief Officer Stuart Stevens has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), making significant contributions to community safety, operational excellence, and workforce development.

Chief Officer Stevens was instrumental in establishing the SFRS Prevention agenda during the formation of Scotland’s single national fire service, developing a unified approach to community safety through partnership working.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Officer Stevens provided decisive leadership that maintained operational continuity whilst prioritising staff safety. His calm approach ensured vital services continued during the national crisis, reinforcing public trust in the SFRS. He led the SFRS response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations, working with the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Working Group to implement necessary reforms and enhance fire safety standards.

A passionate advocate for firefighter safety, Chief Officer Stevens has driven s improvements which have created safer working environments and more effective emergency response capabilities.

Appointed Chief Officer in November 2024, his tenure exemplifies integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service.

KING’S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL

David Lee Bywater, Lead Consultant Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service

David Lee Bywater has been a dedicated member of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) since 1996, qualifying as a a in 2001. In 2022, he was appointed to the substantive role of Lead Consultant Paramedic and acted as the interim director of Care Quality on the board from April 2024 to May 2025, where he strengthened the link between the front line and decision making.

He demonstrated leadership in supporting colleagues during the challenging winter of 2024. Bywater possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of pre-hospital emergency care. He has collaborated with the British Heart Foundation to develop a UK-wide solution for public access defibrillator use and has worked with Police Scotland to reform the procedure for dealing with pre-hospital child deaths.

He played a key role in delivering SASs commitment to Scotland’s Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest strategy and leads on paediatric care in SAS. He is a reservist with Scotland’s charity Air Ambulance  and teaches and directs courses in pre-hospital emergency care, paediatric life support and major incident management and continues to volunteer as a responder in rural communities.

Police and Fire Service praise Scottish communities for helping reduce Bonfire Night disorder

‘CONSIDERABLE REDUCTION IN SERIOUS DISORDER’

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have praised Scotland’s communities for their support, following a considerable reduction in serious disorder over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Between 31 October and 5 November 2024, Police Scotland received 1,317 calls requiring either a local, or specialist response. This year, 833 calls across the country were received – a decrease of almost 37 per cent.

There were no significant incidents recorded between 31 October and 4 November 2025, with only minor reports of antisocial behaviour and disorder reported in parts of Edinburgh and Midlothian.

On Wednesday, 5 November, police responded to incidents in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Clydebank and Blackridge.

At around 5.30pm Public Order Officers responded to calls relating to antisocial behaviour and youths throwing fireworks within the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas.  Upon arrival of police, those involved dispersed and no further serious offences took place.

Local officers and members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Netherton Road, Glasgow reported fireworks being directed at their vehicles at around 7.05pm, resulting in the police car sustaining damage and requiring uplift.

Public Order officers then assisted local policing colleagues in Clydebank at around 8pm following incidents of fireworks being directed towards shops and vehicles within Dunbarton Road. One male sustained a minor injury to his shoulder as a result of a rear window of the vehicle he was travelling within being smashed by a firework. He did not require any hospital treatment.

A further report of an SFRS crew being attacked by projectiles was then received at 9.45pm in Blackridge, West Lothian.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service  dealt with almost 700 emergency calls throughout the evening.

Two people have been arrested so far, and inquiries are ongoing to identify individuals involved in the offences that took place.

To date, 25 Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh, with a further 20 in Glasgow. Officers in the Capital also carried out 34 stop and searches under the Section 60 policing powers implemented for Bonfire Night.

There have been no reports of injury to police officers or other emergency service personnel over the last week.

Operation Moonbeam is Police Scotland’s public order response to addressing serious disorder over the Bonfire Night period and in 2025, more specialist resource than ever before was dedicated to help protect local communities from harm.

For the first time during Moonbeam deployments, various officers were equipped with Body Worn Video.

Over the past few weeks, police seized more than two tonnes of illegal fireworks that intelligence suggested were intended for use in disorder. 

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my thanks to the public across Scotland for their overwhelming support of our policing response and for working closely with us to make this a successful operation.

“While police were required to deploy into various areas and address certain incidents arising, there has been a notable and welcome reduction in both the number of serious disorder offences occurring, and the level of violence and hostility directed towards police officers, fire fighters, and ambulance crews.

“There will be follow-up criminal inquiries undertaken in relation to some of the offences that took place, and I want to make it clear again that the criminal use of fireworks will not be tolerated.

“What’s really encouraging is the level of positive engagement we’ve had with communities over the last few months, and this has helped shape our policing plans for Operation Moonbeam, as well as providing vital intelligence that has led to some significant fireworks recoveries in advance of the Bonfire Night period.

“I am grateful to all of the partners and stakeholders who worked alongside us in the planning and delivery of Operation Moonbeam and to each and every officer and member of staff whose dedication and professionalism have made this a successful policing operation.”

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, SFRS Head of Prevention, added  “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, and all emergency responders across Scotland, for their tireless efforts during this busy and challenging period.

“The bonfire season is always our busiest period of the year and presents us with some unique challenges in terms of keeping our staff and communities safe.

“But that is why our preparatory work is so key and I would like to thank our partners for their continued support in this joint effort.

“Thank you also to our communities for following our key safety guidance and for respecting our staff. Their support is invaluable in allowing us to be there for those who need our help the most.”

Following months of hard work, Council Leader Jane Meagher has praised partners and communities for a successful Bonfire Night.

Responding to the success of Operation Moonbeam, Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m pleased and relieved that Bonfire Night passed off without serious incident last night and that the vast majority of people celebrated safely and responsibly.

“It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and communities coming together to have fun and enjoy the organised events on offer. It really did feel worlds apart from recent years – and I want to thank our communities for the part they played in that.

“Of course, I’m disappointed by the behaviour of a few mindless individuals and I hope they’re dealt with swiftly and appropriately. However, we only saw a fraction of the issues and disruption we’ve experienced in previous years and it’s such a relief that no one was hurt.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to Police Scotland for their swift action on the night and to everyone who played a role in keeping us safe.

“A huge amount of planning and hard work has gone in from by colleagues from across the Council – particularly in our schools – and from Police and blue-light services, Lothian Buses, and many other partners across the city.

“A standout for me was the genuine and constructive engagement with our young people over many months, with last month’s Youth Summit a particular success. It was so heartening to hear the impact this had on our young people and, also, how well attended last night’s activities were.

“To me, this feels like a great return on the investment we’ve made in our young people, many of whom had begun to feel demonised by the events of previous years, and it’s something we must focus on all year round – not just on Bonfire Night.

“Overall, this was a genuine team effort that represents the very best of partnership working in our city – and I know colleagues are already thinking about how we can use the lessons we’ve learned last night, and in the build up to it.

“I’m determined to make sure that every Bonfire Night is as positive and memorable for our residents an communities.”

Experienced firefighter recalls “horrible” moment her crewmate was struck with firework

A seasoned firefighter has spoken of the terrifying moment her crew came under attack with fireworks. 

Watch Commander Debbie McCafferty serves communities at both Glasgow’s Clydesmill Community Fire Station and at Carluke Community Fire Station.

Debbie has protected communities since 2002 and balances her wholetime role with family life and responding to emergencies via a pager.

Last year, she and her on call crewmates came under attack during a callout to an unofficial bonfire in Carluke. 

After engaging with the crowd in attendance, Debbie and her colleagues began to extinguish the bonfire. It was then a firework was fired in their direction. 

Debbie recalled: “There were loads of people around the bonfire. As we began to extinguish it and the crowd began to disperse, we heard a whistling noise.

“I looked around to my left and an unexploded firework had hit a trainee firefighter on his leg. We both instinctively kicked it away and then it went off. 

“It was horrible, really horrible. Thankfully everyone was okay, but all it would have taken was for the firework to get stuck in his tunic or for it to have landed in front of us and it would have caused severe injuries. 

“We’re there trying to do a job and keep people safe. We’re not targets and we don’t deserve to be treated like that.” 

Firefighter Scott Stevenson attended the same incident and was struck by the firework. He recalled: “It was quite dark, and I was stood making sure the fire was out when I heard a whistle. 

“I felt something strike my leg and my colleague pulled me to the side as the firework exploded. 

“It was a scary situation and could have been a lot worse. 

“My family were very upset and angry when they found out.” 

Debbie is keen to point out that attending an organised firework event or bonfire display is the safest way to enjoy the bonfire season – but she is realistic enough to know many people will host firework displays or have bonfires at home. 

She said: “Have a good time and enjoy yourself but do it in a safe manner. Don’t put yourself at risk and don’t ruin anyone else’s fun. Respect other people and consider the impact of fireworks on animals. 

“We’re not there to ruin anyone’s fun, we just want to keep people safe – and that includes ourselves.” 

You can find out key safety information, including the Bonfire Code, on the SFRS website. 

On there, you will also see a full and updated list of all public firework events taking place across Scotland. 

Scotland’s Resilience committee responds to huge wildfire

SGoRR met last night to discuss ongoing situation

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night to discuss the response to an ongoing wildfire in the Galloway area.

The meeting was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, and attended by partner agencies including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Forestry and Land Scotland.

The meeting heard that progress has been made in bringing the fire under control today, but that the incident remains ongoing. People are being urged to stay away from the area and any nearby residents should keep their doors and windows closed.

Ms Constance said: “I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported on Thursday. Thanks to their efforts, significant progress has been made and the situation is currently under control.

“I am reassured to hear that so far there has been no damage to properties or mature woodland. However, this remains an on-going incident and the situation will be re-assessed at first light.

“Earlier this week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an extreme wildfire warning due to the dry conditions across much of Scotland.

“As we continue to see a period of warm and dry weather, it’s essential that all of us act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors so we can keep the number of wildfires at an absolute minimum.”

An extreme wildfire warning was issued by SFRS last week.

Remembering Ewan Williamson

Firefighters paused to remember colleague Ewan Williamson who died fifteen years ago at the Balmoral Bar fire in Edinburgh

A Commemoration Service was held at the James Braidwood statue on Parliament Square in Edinburgh on Friday, 12 July and was attended by Firefighter Williamson’s family, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Ross Haggart, Deputy Lord Provost, Lezley Marion, as well as representatives from the Fire Brigades Union.

During the Service, a minute’s silence was observed followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

CO Haggart said: ” As we mark 15 years since he lost his life in the line of duty, Ewan Williamson and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.

“Ewan’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us of all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honours Ewan’s dedication and bravery.  We commemorate his life and work with pride, and we will ensure he is remembered always.”

Ewan’s family described him as having a “an infectious smile and a huge heart that we have missed every day since his tragic passing”. They told those who gathered at the service that their thoughts are with the families of every firefighter who watch their loved ones routinely put themselves in harm’s way.

At 00:38am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels. This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats in the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames.

Ewan, 35, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty.

A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues responding to the incident.

Fire Brigades Union Regional Chair, Gus Sproul, said: “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public.

“15 years on from this tragic fire, the FBU and our members continue to reflect on his loss. Ewan will never be forgotten, his family, colleagues and friends are in our thoughts today.”  

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: “Today on the 15-year anniversary of the Balmoral Bar fire at which Firefighter Ewan Williamson tragically lost his life, we honour Ewan’s memory, his service and his sacrifice.  

“On that fateful day, and on every day since; as is the case today, and shall be tomorrow, those working in our emergency services face danger and risk with bravery and courage in their duty to keep each of us, and our communities, safe.   

“This is public service of the most noble and selfless kind. 

“The debt we owe, and our duty to each of them is to do all we can to ensure everyone facing danger and risk on the frontline are kept as safe and secure as possible in their line of duty.” 

Two King’s Fire Service Medals awarded in New Year’s Honours

Two members of staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) with a combined 65 years of service have been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM).

On call firefighter, Watch Commander David Gibson is based at Penicuik Community Fire Station and has spent over 44 years helping to protect his local community, while Iain Morris, Head of Asset Management has over 20 years of service overseeing SFRS buildings, equipment and vehicles.

His Majesty The King has recognised their efforts in the New Year’s Honours List.

As an on call firefighter, Watch Commander (WC) Gibson has balanced his role with SFRS while also working full time as a mental health nurse until he retired from the NHS in 2021.

He used his experience in mental health to become a Wellbeing Champion for SFRS, providing support to colleagues in the Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders areas.

WC Gibson was also involved in the integration of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) co-location at Penicuik Community Fire Station.

I am immensely proud and honoured to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal, even to be nominated by my peers, is very humbling.

David GibsonWatch Commander

He continued: “It has been a privilege for me to serve communities as an on call firefighters attending many notable emergency incidents and fires over the years, working with many great teams and individuals.

“I would like to thank all those that I have worked with and also my family for their unwavering support.”

As Head of Asset Management, Iain Morris oversees the administration of SFRS assets, which includes over 1,600 vehicles, thousands of items of equipment and over 600 buildings, as well being responsible for more than 200 staff.

Iain, who lives in Airdrie, started working with Strathclyde Fire Brigade in 2002 and has over 20 years of Fire Service experience. He has worked as Fleet Manager, Deputy Director of Operations and Head of Corporate Support

He took on the role of Head of Asset Management in 2013, at the formation of The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) from the eight legacy services.  For the last two years, Iain has worked as the Interim Director of Asset Management. 

During his time, Iain has driven forward many improvements in processes including initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across the estate. Iain and his team also ensured the SFRS corporate buildings along with stores and fleet workshops continued to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On receiving his award, Iain said: “It is very humbling but an honour to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal and to have the work of Asset Management recognised within SFRS.

“I am part of a large team of professionals who are fully committed in supporting the Service to serve the communities of Scotland, as well as continually striving to make improvements.

Throughout the years, I have received overwhelming support from those I have worked with, and I would like to extend my thanks to them, as well as to my family.

Iain MorrisSFRS Head of Asset Management

Iain is also involved in the Veterans/Reservists Group and has helped SFRS achieve the Gold Standard for the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

For the last 10 years he has been the Honorary Vice President of the Scottish Fire Brigades Trust and has helped establish the Fire Museum and Heritage Centre in Greenock.

He served almost eight years as a Trustee of the SFRS Family Support Trust where he helped to raise the charity’s profile.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: Think Before You Act

Our crews sometimes come under attack when attending incidents. If a firefighter or fire engine is attacked they can’t help someone who needs them.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

Keep everyone safe: https://firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/…

#BonfireSafety

Five deliberate fires started EVERY SINGLE DAY in Edinburgh

Firefighters in Edinburgh were called to tackle five deliberate fires EVERY SINGLE DAY during Spring last year – double the number than during the same period in 2018.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews were mobilised to a total of 258 incidents of deliberate fire-raising within the Scottish capital between March and April 2019.

This is an increase of 100 per cent on the year before, when SFRS crews in Edinburgh were turned out to 128 needless blazes during the same period.

These fires were largely comprised of outdoor incidents impacting grasslands and refuse, but also included building and vehicle fires.

This “shocking” rise in is placing lives at risk, warned SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart.

ACO Haggart said: “We take a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire setting and it is a small minority of individuals who are potentially putting themselves, our firefighters and innocent bystanders at risk of serious harm and injury.

“Make no mistake – fire can cause injury and death, it can be devastating to properties, businesses and the environment.

“Last year, witnessed a shocking rise in deliberate fire-raising during the Spring period.

“These incidents are a needless drain on our resources and can impact on our response to genuine emergencies – where lives might very well be at risk.

“The fact that our firefighters are called to thousands of deliberately set fires each year is completely unacceptable.

ACO Haggart was speaking as Scotland’s national fire and rescue services launched its #SpringSafety campaign. Across Scotland, the SFRS recorded a staggering 3,658 incidents of deliberate fire-raising during Spring last year – an increase of 97 per cent.

ACO Haggart warned that the SFRS will continue to do everything in its power to help Police Scotland trace those risking the safety of communities across Scotland.

He said: “It absolutely goes without saying that we prefer to prevent fires – not fight fires.

“But let me be very clear – we operate a strict zero tolerance approach to deliberate fire raising. It is reckless, selfish, and can have devastating consequences.

“We will continue to work very closely with our police and local authority partners to provide evidence that will ensure those responsible are identified and held to account for their actions.

“It is vital that we continue to remind people that deliberate fire setting is a crime and that a criminal record can affect future life and job opportunities – a price that can be easily avoided.”

Anyone with information about deliberate fire-raising should contact the free and confidential Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111.