Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gary Walsh has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in the Birthday Honours List today.
Mr Walsh, who became a firefighter in Merseyside almost 30 years ago, came to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service as a senior divisional officer nearly 12 years ago. He was director of community protection.
East Sussex is the fire service for Brighton and Hove as well as the county.
Mr Walsh has served as deputy to Des Prichard for more than six years after being promoted from Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
After two colleagues – Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge – died in the Marlie Farm fireworks factory blaze in December 2006, Mr Walsh led the internal investigation.
He has also served as an instructor at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire.
Mr Walsh is married with two sons.
