This in from IW Council, in their own words. Ed
Sean Harrison, who works in the community safety team at Sandown fire station, was given the honour for services to the Isle of Wight. He is the service coordinator for the Island for the Fire Fighters Charity (FFC) and a regional coordinator for seven fire services in the south.
He has been serving on the Island since 2004 when he transferred from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, having joined in 1989.
Sean visited Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 10 November with his wife Donna and his two sons, William and Conor, where he was presented with his MBE medal by Her Majesty The Queen.
He said:
“Before receiving my MBE at the Palace, I was excited, a little nervous and a bit overwhelmed.
“During the presentation, I had a short chat with Her Majesty as she is a patron of the Fire Fighters Charity. She asked how the charity was going, and we then discussed the Island. She recalled how she visited Cowes and that it was very hot that day. She then smiled, we shook hands and I walked away via the set route.
“I could not believe someone would nominate me for my work on the Island. I was so amazed because everyday normal people like me do not usually get awards like an MBE, so I am very grateful. It was a day I will never forget.”
Sean was back at work on Thursday 12 November, where is colleagues congratulated him on his recognition.
Mick Keenan, local senior officer for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Sean is a dedicated fire officer who does an awful lot of work for the Fire Fighters Charity on the Island.
“This is a very well deserved recognition and the whole service is very proud of him.”
Alongside his work with the FFC, Sean is also chairman of Gurnard Parish Council and vice-chair of governors for Cowes Enterprise College.
Image: CAPTAIN ROGER FENTON under CC BY 1.0
