Phil Loach, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service and Diane Scott, Deputy Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, have recieved honours in the list, released last night.

Mr Loach has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal which recognises his distinguished service. 

Born and raised in the Black Country, Phil joined West Midlands Fire Service in January 1994 as a Recruit Firefighter. He had previously worked in both the private and public sectors.

He served as a firefighter across Birmingham and the Black Country, and went on to take up roles including Operations Commander for Birmingham, Head of Emergency Response, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Operations) and Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He was appointed Chief Fire Officer in October 2014. 

As head of the country’s second largest metropolitan fire service, he is responsible for the provision of emergency response, business safety and community safety services to more than 2.7 million people across the seven council areas of Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Coventry and Solihull. Reacting to the award, CFO Loach said:

“I am extremely proud to have been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. My family are delighted and I would like to thank them for their amazing support, without which I’m sure this recognition would not have been possible.

“I’m fortunate enough to thoroughly enjoy my work and career with West Midlands Fire Service and in the wider fire, rescue and public sector.

“The role of Chief Fire Officer and the work of all of our staff and volunteers comes with many challenges. I never cease to be impressed by the commitment and dedication of people throughout West Midlands Fire Service whose efforts keep our communities safe day in, day out.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Deputy Chief Executive, Diane Scott, is one of only two England- based recipients of the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Diane is an Executive Director of the Trust Board and is responsible for the Corporate and Clinical Directorates. She is also a registered paramedic. Speaking about her award, Diane, who’s career spans more than 30 years having started with Hampshire Ambulance Service in 1985, said:

“I am immensely proud and honoured to receive this award. It is a great privilege and the QAM represents the pinnacle of my ambulance career.

“I have been proud to work for, and with, many good people at all levels throughout the ambulance service and the NHS, including many skilled and compassionate colleagues who provide excellent care on a daily basis to patients and the public.

“Whilst I have been fortunate to receive the award, it would not have happened without the hard work and support of my colleagues from within the ambulance service to whom I am extremely grateful.”