1 February 2023
This week NIFRS Station Commander Karen McDowell travelled to Windsor Castle to receive an MBE for services to fire and rescue and the LGBTQ+ community.
Karen has been recognised for her commitment to making Northern Ireland a safer place and for being an ambassador for LGBTQ+ equality.
Not only does SC McDowell have almost 30 years’ service keeping her community safe, she has also been instrumental in helping NIFRS enhance and develop support for LGBTQ+ colleagues. From this experience she has been able to provide invaluable guidance to other organisations and is a continued and passionate advocate in these areas.
Karen is an admired role model in NIFRS and this award is fully deserved. Congratulations from everyone at NIFRS.