Firefighter to receive British Empire Medal for community work

Robert has been recognised following his extensive community work in and around Littleborough over a number of years

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) Crew Manager Robert Chew has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for community work in the Birthday Honours List 2024.

Robert has been recognised following his extensive community work in and around the town of Littleborough over a number of years.

This work has included the development of a community garden at Littleborough Community Fire Station, which is frequently used by schoolchildren and older people within the area and has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society and Pennines in Bloom.

Over the past decade, Robert has also run a football team and a drama class for young people and ran over 500 miles in 365 days to raise money for charity.

To mark the re-opening of Littleborough Community Fire Station in November 2023, Robert organised for primary school children from Holy Trinity, St Mary’s and Littleborough Community primary schools to participate in a competition to create pictures of the station.

In his 18 years at GMFRS, Robert has been a firefighter in Littleborough and more recently a crew manager at Heywood Community Fire Station.

Robert said: “I feel honoured, privileged and proud of what I am about to receive. I will wear my medal on my formal uniform with immense pride. I would like to thank those around me for their help and support over the years, and I will endeavour to keep on with the work I do.”

GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said:“We are incredibly proud of Robert and everything he has done for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the people of Littleborough.“This is an outstanding achievement and is very much deserved given how much Robert has selflessly contributed and continues to give to his community.

"On behalf of everyone within our service, I would like to thank Robert for his hard work and generosity over the past 18 years.”