Ian Satherley Awarded the British Empire Medal

Monday, 10 July 2023 17:04

For stand out, exemplary commitment, dedication and support to the fire and rescue service for nearly 50 years, Ian Satherley has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) as a part of his Majesty King Charles III New Years’ Honours.

In a ceremony hosted at Southmead Fire Station on Monday 10 July, Lord Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE presented Ian Satherley with his British Empire Medal on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III. The award was presented to Ian amongst his loved ones, Southmead White Watch, Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton and Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) Drill Squad provided a guard of honour.

Ian’s devotion to public duty started in 1974, when he first joined AF&RS, where he accomplished 32 years’ service.

Alongside his role, he went above and beyond in a voluntary capacity to offer support and practical help to serving and past members of the Fire Service, nationally and locally, saving, changing and improving lives for the better. As a senior committee member of the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, he provided compassionate support, campaigned for help and championed those suffering adverse circumstances, bereavement or facing hardship.

His extensive fundraising efforts for The Fire Fighters’ Charity continue to enable the offering of specialist lifelong support of firefighters across the country, empowering them to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing.

His influence and tenacity, as Secretary and Treasurer, continues to underpin the work of Avon Fire & Rescue Services Pensioners Association, by providing unwavering support and connectivity to pensioners, through the modernisation and implementation of technological advancements voluntarily.

He is a founding member of the Welfare Liaison Team providing care, kindness and understanding to individuals in distress and prompt, practical and heart-felt response to many calls for help. He has and continues to relentlessly give his time, support, experience and knowledge to those in need.

Advocates of his describe him as ‘an exceptional man who works tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of others’, ‘an unsung hero’, someone with an ‘inherent ability to engender support and make significant contributions towards improved results with fundraising and face to face welfare provision’. 

His unselfish commitment year on year has been to the direct benefit to countless numbers of people. As a proud part of the Scout Association, he is a role model to young people; in showing empathy, supporting others, preparing young people for the future and in building stronger communities. In what little spare time he has, he also volunteers at the Bristol Aerospace Museum, telling the stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things, building strong community relationships, and inspiring the next generation of engineers.