Cornwall’s chief fire officer was named in the New Year’s Honours list.

Paul Walker has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal.

He joined Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service in September 2009 as Deputy Chief Fire Officer and became Chief Fire Officer in June 2015.

Paul leads the National Fire Chiefs Council International Coordinating Group and has been the UK representative on the Federation of the European Union Fire Officer Associations for the past 10 years as well as an active participant in the European Union exchange of experts programme.

He said: ‘It is a great honour to have been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. 

‘While I am personally delighted to receive this recognition I would also like to recognise and pay tribute to all my colleagues that I have worked alongside throughout my career from firefighters to the non-operational staff. 

‘I’m very proud to be part of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who are my second family and who all work hard for our local communities.’

Cornwall Council cabinet member for environment and public protection, Sue James, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that Paul has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. I have seen at first hand his professionalism, dedication and his innovative approach to keeping communities safe. I am thrilled to personally congratulate Paul on this significant achievement, which is very well deserved.’