Lancashire firefighter Shahbaz Shah has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list, recognising his exceptional service to the fire and rescue sector.
Shahbaz, who has served with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for over 17 years, has been a driving force behind inclusive recruitment campaigns and community engagement initiatives. His work has significantly increased representation from underrepresented communities, particularly among Asian and Pakistani backgrounds.
As a member of the service’s Race and Religion employee voice group and a long-standing contributor to the Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA), Shahbaz has led projects that have improved engagement with diverse communities, supported mental health awareness, and championed positive action across the UK.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a vital role in public health outreach, helping to build vaccine confidence among hesitant communities through culturally sensitive dialogue and trusted relationships.
Jon Charters, Chief Fire Officer, has praised Shahbaz’s national impact:
“Shahbaz has served as an on-call firefighter in Lancashire with outstanding dedication and commitment. His involvement in a national recruitment drive has significantly helped fire and rescue services across the country to recruit more on-call firefighters”
He continued:
“The National Fire Chief’s Council was extremely grateful for Shahbaz’s willingness to allow people to film inside his home, offering an intimate glimpse into his family life and demonstrating how he balances his duties as a firefighter with his personal responsibilities”
“Shahbaz has also been a role model for on-call firefighters from diverse backgrounds. His efforts have been particularly impactful in recruiting Asian firefighters, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity within the fire and rescue service.”
Speaking about the honour, Shahbaz Shah said:
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award. It reflects the collective efforts of so many people who believe in building a fire and rescue service that truly represents and serves all our communities. I hope this recognition inspires others to step forward and make a difference.”
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