Merseyside fire chief nets royal honour

Jan 9 2013 by Kate Forrester, Birkenhead News

A WIRRAL woman who has dedicated 39 years to firefighting was honoured with a royal medal.

Merseyside fire service’s group manager, Glynis Lomax, received a Queen’s Fire Service Medal for her commitment to her job.

She was one of just four people to receive the honour in England and Wales this year.

She said: “I was very surprised at being nominated for the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. I feel honoured and privileged.

“I am just one of the many people at Merseyside fire service who come to work to do their job.

“It is fantastic to be honoured in this way.”

Mrs Lomax, from New Brighton joined the fire service in Wallasey in July 1973 and transferred to Merseyside when it was set up in 1974.

In 1992 she was promoted to the role of principal fire control officer and seven years later became the group fire control officer and the most senior female in the service.

In 2011 Glynis took on a new role as head of the operational intelligence unit.

The honour will be presented at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later in the year.

Chief fire officer Dan Stephens said: “This honour is a testimony of the hard work and dedication that Glynis has shown to Merseyside fire service over almost four decades.

“Highly respected among her colleagues, it is a fitting tribute to Glynis that she has been honoured this year.”