Derbyshire community heroes recognised in Queen's New Year Honours List

William Thomas has been Knighted for services to charity and politics in Derbyshire.

David Nieper, managing director of Alfreton’s David Nieper Ltd, has been awarded an OBE for sevices to manufacturing and apprenticeship development.

Also awarded the OBE are Pauline Anderson, director of learning and skills at Derby City Council; Elizabeth Towns-Andrews, former professor at University of Huddersfield and James Campbell for services to healthcare and community in the county.

MBEs have been awarded to Martin Austin, managing director and founder of Nimbus Disability, for services to accessibilty in the tourism sector; Catherine Cleary, founder of First Steps, for services to people with eating disorders; Elizabeth Evans, for services to nursing; Donna Lewis, Derbyshire County Council foster carer, for services to children; Elizabeth Stafford, for services to Girl Guiding, and Richard Tuffrey, for services to heritage.

And Derbyshire’s former Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM).

Mr McDermott retired from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in September 2019 following a 30 year career that saw him serve at Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS).

Speaking of the honour, he said: “I am extremely proud to have been named in the New Year’s Honours List.

“In my mind the medal is not only a recognition of my personal efforts, but a fitting endorsement of the efforts of everyone working at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and everyone connected with the National Fire Sprinkler Network, all who have embraced the operational, financial and technical challenges that we have faced and yet continue to deliver to such a high standard day after day”.

And Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson added: “Terry campaigned widely in respect of the effectiveness of fire sprinklers and was both the lead for the National Fire Chiefs’ Council and the Chairman of the National Fire Sprinkler Network, working to raise the profile and understanding of how sprinkler systems can be an effective part of an overall fire safety solution.

“The honour is a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication that Terry has shown throughout his career.”