Royal honours for SFRS trio

Two senior figures and a firefighter who has served communities for close to half a century have been recognised as part of the King's New Year Honours.

In his end of year announcement, the King has honoured Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Officer Stuart Stevens with the King's Fire Service Medal.

The King's Fire Service Medal is awarded to individuals in recognition of distinguished service or in response to an extraordinary act of bravery.

Chief Officer Stevens has led the SFRS since November 2024.

Prior to becoming Chief Officer, he helped drive the Service's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in the creation of the Service's Prevention Directorate after the formation of SFRS as a single national fire and rescue service in 2013.

After receiving the honour, Chief Officer Stevens said: "It's been an honour to take up the role of Chief Officer and I am delighted to be recognised with a King's Fire Service Medal at this stage of my career."

Long-serving firefighter Alex Muir, who has served communities across Glasgow for close to half a century, has also been honoured with a King's Fire Service Medal.

Alex has protected communities for over 46 years, first serving at Springburn Community Fire Station before moving to Cowcaddens Community Fire Station in 1986, where he remains today.

Throughout his career, he has responded to numerous high profile incidents including the 1989 train crash at Glasgow's Bellgrove Station and the 2004 Clarendon Bar fire.

He was also present at the more recent Glasgow School of Art fire in 2014.

Alex said: "It's an honour just to be considered for this and I am quite overwhelmed to receive it.

"The Service has always looked after my family and I. I have always been supported in times of need and I really can't speak highly enough of the Service.

"Being involved with the Service has been an incredible experience, I've loved it. I really believe this is the best job in the world."

In addition, Dr Kirsty Darwent, the SFRS Board Chair, has received an OBE.

Dr Darwent served as SFRS Board Chair for eight years, having served on the board since the Service's formation in 2013.

She will step down in January having completed the maximum of two terms permissible for this role.

After receiving the award, Dr Darwent said: "It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and some other wonderful organisations.

"I hope that this honour reflects positively on the important work that the Fire and Rescue Service does for our communities.

"I am looking forward to receiving the honour and bringing my family to the celebration.”