A search and rescue hero and inspirational youth worker who are watch managers for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been recognised in the New Year Honours List.
Neal Pickersgill received an MBE for his tireless work in search and rescue operations both in the UK and abroad.
He became a firefighter back in 1976 and moved into the search and rescue field 20 years ago, now working as GMFRS’ resilience team leader.
Neal said: “I love the challenge of being part of a search and rescue team, no two jobs are the same – it can be anything from collapsed buildings to earthquakes.
“A couple of abroad incidents I have helped at are the earthquake in Algeria in the 1990s and more recently the Japanese tsunami in 2011.
“I also played a support role during the Haiti earthquake where the team did an amazing job.
“I’m stunned and just can’t put into words how I feel about the MBE award. It is really nice to be recognised, especially for my wife Mandy who has put up with a lot over the years, and also to the search and rescue team who has been through it all with me.”
Michael Dillon, who helped found Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Gym, was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for helping transform the lives of many young people in Moss Side since the gym opened in 2008.
It’s run with the ethos of courage, discipline, dedication, focus and respect for others, attributes that Michael believes is essential for being successful in boxing and fire fighting.
Michael said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour. I love and am deeply passionate about the work we all do at the boxing club.
“Being part of the club is an honour and a privilege, which is enough of an award in itself, but it is really nice to be recognised for the time and effort we put into working with young people.
“I am one of a team of very dedicated and passionate firefighters who give so much of themselves and their time to the young people and the community of Moss Side.
“When I joined the fire service 29 years ago the expectation on us was that you put fires out and rescued people.
“Over the years the role of a firefighter has changed and now we’re responsible for preventing fires, identifying risks and being proactive in making a difference to people’s lives.
“To me that is what being a firefighter is all about.”
Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “All of us at GMFRS are thrilled that Michael and Neal have been honoured in this way.
“Michael’s dedication to the community of Moss Side has transformed the lives of so many young people, leading them away from gang violence and giving them courage, discipline and respect for others.
“His work epitomises our goal to place Greater Manchester’s fire stations at the heart of the communities they serve.
“And Neal’s commitment to his search and rescue role over the years in just remarkable.
“Neal and the other team members have helped out in numerous, challenging incidents and natural disasters all over the world and have saved many lives.”
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
