Retired firefighter Clive Johnson has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service in the New Year’s Honours.
Clive was an on-call firefighter, serving his local community in Staveley for a remarkable 50 years, before retiring as Watch Manager from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) in May 2018.
Only a select few firefighters nationally are awarded this outstanding honour each year and Clive is believed to be the first Cumbria firefighter to receive the recognition.
He has followed in the footsteps of his late father, Jack, who received the British Empire Medal for his service to the fire service while working as an on-call firefighter in Staveley for the former Westmorland County. Indeed, Clive is the fifth generation of his family to work in the fire and rescue service.
Steve Healey, Cumbria County Council’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “Clive’s attitude and commitment as a firefighter, a public servant and a valued member of his community is unquestionable, spanning over five decades. He thoroughly deserves this exceptional accolade in recognition of his dedicated service to his community and we would like to offer our warmest congratulations to Clive.”
Clive joined the Fire Service in 1968 at the age of 18. Over the years, he has provided round the clock emergency response within his village of Staveley, serving and protecting his local community and residents of Cumbria by responding to various types of incidents, from house fires, hazardous materials incidents, water rescues and road traffic collisions to more major incidents, for example the multi-agency response to the widespread flooding in Cumbria resulting from Storm Desmond in December 2015.
Clive said: “I’m very proud to have received the Queen’s Medal. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being an on-call firefighter, it’s been a real pleasure to serve the county and help my community. I’ve learned a huge amount over the years. Being an on-call firefighter is a big commitment but I would encourage anyone to consider becoming a firefighter.”
Alongside Clive’s duties within the Fire Service, he also runs his family business as a joiner and undertaker.
Whilst balancing his family life, his business commitments and serving his community, he also assists North West Ambulance Service by volunteering as a First Responder and responds to various medical emergencies to people within his parish. He is also a member of his local parish council and chairman of the local village hall association.
