Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has congratulated two Firefighters named in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for exemplary service to the public.

Patrick Quinn, a Station Commander based in Omagh District, has been awarded the King's Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for his service to the Fire and Rescue Service. He joined NIFRS as an On-Call Firefighter in 1994 and was among the first to respond to the Omagh bomb. He later gave evidence to the Omagh Public Inquiry and has since drawn on that experience to support others affected by trauma.

Patrick became a Wholetime Firefighter in 2000 and now leads as a Station Commander in Omagh District. Over more than 32 years with NIFRS, he has supported Firefighters, their families and the wider community.

A qualified Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Facilitator and trainer, Patrick regularly makes himself available off duty to deliver CISM sessions and emotional support. In the past five years he has recruited, trained and mentored a team of 10 CISM facilitators, improving access to support for more than 1,800 Firefighters across NIFRS. He also holds specialist roles as a Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Officer and a Farm Animal Officer, with specific expertise in rural incidents. Patrick additionally volunteers as a Family Liaison Officer, supporting bereaved NIFRS families with practical and mental health needs. Widely respected by colleagues, he champions mental and physical health and has made a profound, lasting contribution across the Service.

Sam Todd, an On-Call Crew Commander at Ballyclare Fire Station, has served NIFRS for 38 years and is highly regarded in the town and surrounding area. He receives the British Empire Medal for his 42 years' service to Translink.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings 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. Patrick is a genuine, committed and invaluable member of our NIFRS team, who espouses all that is good about our Service.

"I would also like to congratulate Sam on this achievement for his 42 years of dedicated service to Translink. 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."