A former John Hampden pupil has been awarded The Queen’s Fire Service Medal in the New Year Honours List in recognition of his distinguished service across fire and rescue services.
Martin Blunden, the Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, this year has led the service through the significant challenge of responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
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He started off at the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as a part-time firefighter serving his local community of Beaconsfield in 1992.
The now Chief Officer then went on to serve in senior roles at Hereford & Worcester, Hertfordshire and South Yorkshire
Since then he has achieved the ‘Silver Axe’ and, in 2001 and he was seconded to the South-East team preparing fire and rescue services for the terrorist threat in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
He has also been recognised for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Improving the Service Delivery of ODPM’ in 2005 and 2006.
Furthermore, he and his team were awarded the 'International Higgins & Langley Award' for his Contribution to Water Rescue in the UK.
During his 28 year career he has introduced national policies and multi-agency partnerships recognised as best practice in the industry.
Chief Officer Blunden said: “I am proud to have been recognised for this award and I am committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their potential no matter their circumstances.
“It is a privilege to serve the public and I will continue to do everything I can to protect communities across Scotland.”
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