Fire officer 'humbled' by recognition in Queen's Birthday Honours list
Steve Apter has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal
A fire officer with more than 30 years’ service has been recognised for his outstanding contribution in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s deputy chief fire officer Steve Apter has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Fire Service Medal.
The honour is bestowed on those who have displayed distinguished service or gallantry.
DCFO Apter led the former Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service through significant improvement and change.
As deputy commissioner for London Fire Brigade he attended many significant incidents, including the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack and Grenfell Tower fire.
Over the last 15 months he has managed HIWFRS’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic and was responsible for overseeing the formal combination of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in April.
DCFO Apter said: "I am truly honoured and humbled to have been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal"
"I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work with the best teams who I have learned so much from.
"However, by far the best team is my family who have supported me and been there throughout, in good times and the most challenging times. This award is very much the Apter’s Team Award!"
HIWFRS chief fire officer Neil Odin said: "Steve’s inclusion in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list is richly deserved.
"It’s a fitting tribute to the commitment and passion he has displayed throughout his career and we are all delighted for him."
DCFO Apter began his fire service career as a retained firefighter on the Isle of Wight in 1990 and will retire later this month.