Seven Essex firefighters have been recognised for their exceptional courage and humanitarian service overseas, receiving prestigious awards for their lifesaving work as part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team.
At a ceremony held at the Service’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) base in Lexden, near Colchester, firefighters were presented with awards for their international deployments - including the newly-introduced King’s Humanitarian Medal, approved by His Majesty King Charles III and the Service’s Outstanding Contribution Awards.
The honours reflect Essex firefighters’ vital contribution to three major international rescue operations - the earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, and the flooding caused by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.
Across these deployments, Essex firefighters joined UK colleagues to locate survivors, carry out complex search-and-rescue operations, perform structural assessments, and deliver humanitarian aid in some of the world’s most challenging conditions.
Whether navigating the unstable ruins of city blocks in Turkey, wading through floodwaters in Malawi, or trekking through the rugged High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, their work has directly saved lives and brought hope to communities facing unimaginable loss.
Speaking to the firefighters and their proud families at the ceremony, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Rick Hylton, said: “Your dedication, commitment and the personal sacrifices you make - leaving your partners and families at a moment’s notice to respond to humanitarian crises overseas - do not go unnoticed.
“We all understand that our work carries an element of the unknown and inevitable risk.
"But that risk increases considerably when responding to the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding. Your courage in these moments is remarkable.”
He added: “I also want to recognise those from your team who remain here in the UK to ensure that our response capability continues at home.
“When deployments take place abroad, the work here in Essex does not stop - and your teamwork ensures that we continue to serve our communities with excellence.
“I am immensely proud of you - not only for helping people in the worst moments of their lives, but for representing our Service with such distinction on the international stage.”
Our firefighters honoured
King’s Humanitarian Medal and Outstanding Contribution Award:
Antony Clement and Tom Jewell were honoured for their deployment to Morocco in September 2023 following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains.
They joined a 60-strong UK ISAR team carrying out search-and-rescue operations, structural assessments and humanitarian aid delivery in remote mountain villages. Both were presented with the King’s Humanitarian Medal, recognising outstanding humanitarian service.
“We’re really proud of the part we’ve been able to play, but our hearts go out to those affected by this devastating disaster,” said Watch Manager Antony Clement.
“It really highlights the importance of having committed, highly specialist firefighters who can respond so rapidly to disasters of this scale,” added Crew Manager Tom Jewell.
Outstanding Contribution Awards:
Scott Meekings, Bryn Jones and Stephen Smith were recognised for their deployment to Turkey in February 2023 following catastrophic earthquakes.
As part of a 77-strong UK ISAR team, they worked tirelessly through collapsed buildings and aftershocks to locate and rescue survivors amid unimaginable devastation.
Working alongside the Service’s specially trained search dogs, they combed through rubble and twisted structures, often operating in near-silence to detect the faintest signs of life.
Firefighter Rob Thomson was recognised for his deployment to Malawi in March 2023 following catastrophic flooding caused by Cyclone Freddy.
Rob, a member of the Service’s DEFRA Flood and Water Rescue team, joined UK ISAR in the Service’s first international flood-rescue deployment, helping reach isolated communities and carry out rapid needs assessments in areas cut off by floodwater.
Roy Cuppelditch – 10 years’ service and recognition to UK ISAR certificate
Roy has been part of the USAR team since its inception 19 years ago. At the presentation Roy was awarded with a certificate of recognition for 10 years’ service with UK ISAR.
Rick Hylton added: “Our USAR teams embody the very best of what our Service stands for-courage, compassion, and commitment to helping others in their time of greatest need. It was an honour to recognise their exceptional service and the vital role they play on the international stage.
"The recognition also highlights the ongoing importance of international collaboration and the UK’s commitment to supporting humanitarian response efforts worldwide."
UK ISAR are the official UK Government response to International disasters, funded and supported by FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office).
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service plays a vital role in UK ISAR and has deployed specialist teams to global disasters including Nepal, Indonesia, Turkey, Malawi and Morocco.