Des Prichard QFSM has been awarded the Order of the British Empire in the 2011 New Year's Honours List.

Des has been the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service since October 2001, having joined East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in 1995 as the Assistant Chief Fire Officer and then in 1996, promoted to Deputy Chief Fire Officer. Des joined the Fire and Rescue Service in 1976 as a firefighter in Buckinghamshire, moving to Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1984.

The Chairman of the Fire Authority, Cllr John Livings said that he was delighted to see that Des' contributions to the Fire and Rescue Service had been recognised with this award.

He went on to say that Des is a truly professional and dedicated Officer who had not only worked tirelessly for the communities of East Sussex and Brighton and Hove to improve the safety and well-being of all, beyond the statutory requirements of a fire and rescue service, but who worked hard at a national level contributing significantly to the work of the Chief Fire Officers Association and the Association of Principal Fire Officers.

Lee Howell, President of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) said: "I am absolutely delighted that Des has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list. He has worked tirelessly for CFOA for many years and is held in the highest esteem by colleagues for his unswerving commitment and dedication to the profession. This is a fitting tribute to an exceptional officer."

Des said: "This award is a reflection of the hard work from all the tremendous people I have worked with during my career but in particular the fantastic staff in East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

"It has been a pleasure and privilege leading such a great organisation and I am grateful to all the Members of the Fire Authority as well as staff.

"In particular though I am especially grateful to my wife Ruth and son Ben for their support and encouragement behind the scenes."

 

Posted January 3rd, 2012 at 1240 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com