Crew Manager Andy Horner, the longest-serving firefighter in West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service history, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2025.

Andy, whose remarkable career spans 52 years, has been recognised for his dedicated service to the community and long-standing commitment to fire safety across the county.

“I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award,” said Andy.
“It has been an honour to serve within West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service for the last 52 years and it is a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed doing.”

Andy thanked his wife Bernice, children Nicholas, Peter, and Bethan, and colleagues who supported him throughout his decades in service.

A Life of Service in West Sussex

Andy joined Selsey Fire Station as a retained firefighter on 1 March 1973 and went on to serve as a wholetime firefighter in Worthing, Horley, and Chichester, including a period with the service’s training team.

In 2013, Andy retired as a Group Manager and returned to Selsey Fire Station, continuing to serve as a retained Crew Manager.

His service record includes attending some of the region’s most notable emergencies, including:

• The Uppark House fire (1989)

• The Chichester flooding (1994)

• The Selsey Academy fire (2016)

Tributes from Fire Service and County Council

Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton praised Andy’s exceptional contribution:

“Andy is our longest serving firefighter in West Sussex and I am delighted that his hard work, commitment, and selflessness over the last 52 years has been recognised with this award.”

Cllr Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, added:

“We are incredibly grateful to Andy for the fantastic work he has done to keep West Sussex safe during his long and dutiful career.”

The British Empire Medal honours hands-on service to the local community, recognising individuals who have made a significant difference.