The King awards Essex firefighter Terry Jewell an MBE

Station Manager Terry Jewell from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, who recently completed 30 years’ service, has been recognised for his services to international search and rescue. 

As well as being a dedicated member of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Terry has also been a member of United Kingdom’s International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team for 30 years, making him the UK’s longest serving member.

The UKISAR team is made up of volunteers from 15 fire and rescue services around the UK who have specialist training and skills to respond to natural disasters oversees on behalf of the UK Government.

Terry Jewell working with UKISAR (Image: UKISAR)

“I feel deeply honoured and humbled to receive an MBE from His Majesty The King in his first New Year Honours list,” Mr Jewell said.

“Although my name is on the award, for which I am truly grateful for, I actually feel like I should accept this award on the behalf of all my team members from UKISAR and colleagues at ECFRS. Everything I do is part of a team effort, we all play a role, and I have been honoured to do my part.

Terry Jewell (centre) in 2016 at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party following deployment to Nepal in 2015 following a devastating earthquake. (Image: ECFRS)“My biggest thank you is to my wife of 34 years, Tanya. Over the years she has been my biggest supporter, and has had to put up with a lot, especially when I get deployed and disappear overseas at a moment’s notice with no idea when I will get back.” 

During his time with UKISAR, Terry has been deployed to deal with the aftermath of earthquakes in Indonesia, Haiti, New Zealand and Nepal.

After working for two weeks solid, representing the UK to support rescue operations in New Zealand, he continued to save life even on the flight home.

Terry Jewell (left) with CFO Rick Hylton in March 2022 receiving his long service award (Image: ECFRS)

A passenger suffered a serious medical episode during this flight and along with the team doctor, Terry's resourcefulness and quick actions were vital in saving the life of the passenger. In recognition of taking control and his lifesaving actions, Terry received a personal letter of thanks from the airlines CEO.   

ECFRS chief fire officer and chief executive Rick Hylton said: “We are extremely proud to see Terry’s work has been honoured by His Majesty the King with the award of MBE. Terry’s professionalism, knowledge and guidance to our fire service and the UKISAR team over the years has been extremely valuable and has influenced many developments and improvements at national and international level. Terry’s personal dedication to the UKISAR team is outstanding. The role is completely voluntary and at times can take him away from his home and family for weeks at a time, often at very short notice. 

“During his career he has supported many countries in immensely difficult situations and led specialist teams to help save lives and support people at their time of need.  

“Terry is a friend, a peer and a mentor, and I know I speak on behalf of everyone at ECFRS when I say this award is very well-deserved. Congratulations to Terry.”