An MBE has been bestowed to Paul in recognition of his more than half a century of experience working in the fields of firefighting and fire engineering (Member of the British Empire).
As well as his meticulous work when it comes to ensuring that residential high-rise buildings are designed and constructed with fire safety in mind, he is highly regarded as an expert and pioneer for new operational tactics within the fire industry. This has earned him a high level of respect within the industry.
His efforts and his research have always been motivated by a single objective: to ensure the safety of people.
Paul expressed his feelings over the royal acknowledgment he had received by saying, “I am genuinely honoured and sincerely glad that I should be thought of and recognised in this way.”
Protecting people has been the focus of my work for the entirety of my life, whether it be assisting members of the general public to remain safe in their homes or places of employment, or developing innovative strategies to assist firefighters in remaining safe while performing their life-saving duties more efficiently. Every day, firefighters put their lives in danger, and it is just and proper that we show our gratitude to them.
I would want to receive this award on behalf of all of the amazing people that are a part of the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. These individuals go above and beyond on a daily basis to make the county a better and safer place.”
Paul has invented a variety of novel firefighting strategies and defences, many of which have been adopted by fire departments all across the world. This accomplishment is only one of Paul’s many accomplishments.
A number of his ideas have been put through their paces in Kent, including a tactical stairwell protection policy that ensures a safe exit route in the event of a fire at a residential tower block and a decision making policy for officers-in-charge that prioritises early evacuation in the event that it is ever required. Both of these policies were put through their paces in Kent.
His work is credited with bringing residential building safety up to a higher level, improving how fire departments respond to events, and, eventually, saving lives.
Paul’s dedication to assisting others extends far beyond the confines of the fire ground, as evidenced by the fact that he offered his time in the early 1990s to provide assistance to civilian victims in Iraq and Bosnia.
His generosity is also demonstrated by the fact that he chose to give the royalties from his books, “Fog Attack” and “Euro Firefighter,” which are required reading for many countries’ firefighter training programmes, to two charitable organisations: the Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust (RAFT) and the Katie Piper Foundation.
Because to his generous gifts totalling over 10,000 pounds, two adult burn survivors were allowed to participate in a pilot programme at a brand-new rehabilitation centre for adult burn survivors.
Paul claims that in spite of all of his accomplishments, he will always feel most at home on the back of a fire engine. This is where he began his career as a fireman when he was just 18 years old.
Paul’s contribution to the public and the fire sector is remarkable,” said Ann Millington, Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas Fire & Rescue Service.
He is a motivational professional, a guiding light – a someone who serves as a role model for other fire safety professionals and raises the standard for others to strive to achieve.
When I remark that this honour is one that is much merited, I am confident that I am speaking on behalf of everyone at KFRS. I’d want to extend my best wishes to Paul.
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