Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service on-call firefighter Brian Cole has received a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours after dedicating 50 years to serving Bishop’s Waltham community.
Mr Cole has spent five decades responding to emergency calls whilst maintaining his full-time career as an accountant. He joins an exclusive group of individuals who have reached this remarkable service milestone.
Speaking about his recognition, Brian said: “I am deeply honoured and extremely proud to receive this distinction from His Majesty The King. My lengthy and fulfilling fire service career continues to bring me joy, and I remain passionate about supporting our local community.
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without my wife and family’s unwavering support and patience, particularly given that emergency calls frequently come at inconvenient moments. I must also acknowledge the wonderful team at Bishop’s Waltham station.
“Linda and I were privileged to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May, making this year filled with delightful surprises.”
During his extensive career, Brian has responded to numerous significant incidents across Hampshire, including the massive Ocado warehouse blaze in Andover that required over four days to control. He also tackled multiple wildfires during 2022’s challenging fire season and similar incidents in 1976.
Beyond his firefighting duties, Brian has consistently championed charitable causes and community initiatives.
Following the construction of Bishop’s Waltham’s new fire station in 2023, Brian volunteered for a community improvement project, dedicating a day to transforming the local junior school’s garden into a sensory space for students and teachers.
His leadership extends to organising station fundraising activities including car washes and open days, engaging the entire team whilst raising funds for the Firefighters Charity and delivering fire safety education to residents.
From 2013, Brian coordinated fire engine attendance at Marwell Zoo’s Dream Nights events for terminally ill children across Southeast England, supporting approximately 1,500 guests annually over five years and benefiting around 7,500 people.
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His fundraising efforts helped establish Bishop’s Waltham First Responders and Meon Valley Heart Start, providing vital emergency medical support locally. Brian also collected newspapers by the tonne to fund school swimming pool construction and supported various Rotary Club events.
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin commented: “Brian Cole demonstrates outstanding commitment and devotion to both our Service and Bishop’s Waltham community throughout his remarkable 50-year tenure.
“His recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours is thoroughly deserved. Brian exemplifies community spirit through his dedication to protecting lives and property, whilst generously volunteering his time and motivating others to assist those in need. His career contributions include thousands of pounds and countless hours supporting numerous worthy causes, positively impacting many lives.”
