Co Antrim firefighter honoured in King’s Birthday Honours after decades of service to community

NIFRS On-Call Crew Commander at Ballyclare Fire Station, Sam Todd

A firefighter from Ballyclare who has spent nearly four decades serving his local community has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting a lifetime of public service both on the frontline with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and through his long career with Translink.

Sam Todd, an On-Call Crew Commander at Ballyclare Fire Station, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of 42 years of dedicated service to Translink, while continuing to serve the community as a firefighter.

The honour places a spotlight on one of Ballyclare’s best-known public servants and recognises a commitment to helping and protecting others that has spanned generations.

Two firefighters recognised in national honours list

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has announced that two of its firefighters have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding service and dedication.

Alongside Sam Todd’s BEM, Station Commander Patrick Quinn, based in Omagh District, has been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for services to the Fire and Rescue Service.

The awards recognise two very different but equally significant contributions to public service, reflecting decades of commitment to supporting communities across Northern Ireland.

Ballyclare firefighter praised for longstanding commitment

Sam Todd has dedicated 38 years of service to NIFRS while also maintaining a distinguished 42-year career with Translink.

As an On-Call Crew Commander at Ballyclare Fire Station, he has been a familiar and respected figure within Ballyclare and the surrounding area, responding to emergencies and supporting local residents whenever needed.

His British Empire Medal recognises not only his remarkable longevity in public service but also the dedication required to balance responsibilities with both Translink and the Fire Service over many decades.

The recognition reflects the often unseen contribution made by On-Call Firefighters, who combine their primary careers with the responsibility of responding to incidents and protecting communities when emergencies arise.

Patrick Quinn recognised for supporting firefighters through trauma

NIFRS Station Commander Patrick Quinn

Station Commander Patrick Quinn’s King’s Fire Service Medal acknowledges more than 32 years of service with NIFRS and his extensive work supporting colleagues through some of the most challenging experiences of their careers.

Patrick joined NIFRS as an On-Call Firefighter in 1994 and was among the first firefighters to respond to the Omagh bomb. He recently gave evidence to the Omagh Public Inquiry, reflecting on his experiences and the lasting impact of one of Northern Ireland’s darkest days.

In 2000 he became a Wholetime Firefighter and has since progressed to Station Commander in Omagh District.

A qualified Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Facilitator and trainer, Patrick has played a leading role in supporting firefighters dealing with trauma and critical incidents.

Over the past five years, he has recruited, trained and mentored a team of 10 CISM facilitators, helping improve access to support for more than 1,800 firefighters across the NIFRS community.

He also serves as a Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Officer, a Farm Animal Officer and a volunteer Family Liaison Officer, supporting bereaved NIFRS families through some of their most difficult moments.

NIFRS said his commitment has had an immeasurable and lasting impact on firefighters, their families and the wider community.

Chief Fire Officer pays tribute to both recipients

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings congratulated both men on receiving national recognition.

He said:

“On behalf of everyone in NIFRS and on a personal level, I would like to congratulate Patrick and Sam on receiving these prestigious awards.

“Patrick embodies the very best values of NIFRS and this award is so well deserved. This award recognises the incredible work Patrick has done in going above and beyond to help our Firefighters and those around them, as well as the community he has responded to for 32 years.”

Speaking about Sam Todd, Mr Jennings added:

“As is the case with all of our On-Call Firefighters, Sam has a second role in serving and protecting the community with NIFRS outside of his distinguished career with Translink.

“I very welcome this recognition of Sam’s remarkable dedication to the community. This award is a fitting tribute to his commitment, professionalism and longstanding contribution to public service.”

Recognition for decades of public service

For communities such as Ballyclare, the honour shines a light on the vital contribution made by On-Call Firefighters who regularly balance family life and full-time careers with emergency response duties.

The recognition of Sam Todd in the King’s Birthday Honours serves as acknowledgement of a lifetime spent serving the public and reflects the commitment of firefighters across Northern Ireland who continue to answer the call whenever their communities need them.