A dedicated volunteer from Nottinghamshire is celebrating after being awarded a prestigious medal by the King. Paul Horton received the British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours List on June 13, 2026. The wonderful royal honour recognises his outstanding voluntary service to the local community and the fire service.
Long Service to Fire Museum
The long-serving helper has dedicated more than 50 years of his life to supporting the Mansfield Fire Museum. He has helped the project grow from a small display into a dedicated museum that preserves the history of the fire service. As a volunteer and trustee, Paul plays a central role in organising visits for schools, families, and community groups. He also takes photographs for the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to help share important safety messages.
Community Events and Partnerships
His impressive work over the decades has included organising vintage fire engines for major public events and supporting charity car washes. Paul even helped coordinate an afternoon tea event to celebrate and preserve the memories of retired fire service personnel. Furthermore, he has built partnerships with a local college to create new opportunities for uniform services students.
Other Roles and Passions
After spending 28 years working with the police, Paul now works as a communications officer at an education college. He is also a voluntary member of National Pubwatch and has a great passion for motorsport photography.
