CHESHIRE'S Chief Fire Officer has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal after almost 31 years in fire and rescue.

Mark Cashin has been recognised in the 2020 Birthday Honours list for the contribution he has made to fire prevention, keeping people healthy and safe from fire.

Mr Cashin, 50, took over his role in 2018 having previously held the post of Deputy Chief Fire Officer since 2007. Before that he worked in Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

He has steered the establishment of the innovative 'Safe and Well' programme with partners, by direct engagement with health leaders at the highest levels, including the Chief Executive of the NHS.

Working with Clinical Commissioning Groups, public health directors and councils the programme has made a real difference to the health outcomes of individuals within the community.

Since launching in February 2017, Cheshire firefighters have delivered more than 70,000 'Safe and Well' visits, resulting in more than 6,000 people being referred to health professionals and authorities for specific support to improve health and treat illnesses such as bowel cancer and atrial fibrillation.

In four cases, lives were saved directly from the bowel cancer screening referral as part of this initiative.

Mark said: "I am humbled and honoured to have been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal. I firmly believe that the prevention activity the Service undertakes makes a huge difference to people's safety. In some cases, life-changing or life-saving.

"That is why I am keen to push forward our innovative programmes such as 'Safe and Well', Safety Central, The Prince's Trust and our wider work across Cheshire.

"There is no better satisfaction than knowing that the success of our work is because of the fantastic efforts of all staff right across Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Each and every day they are making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community."

The fire chief has also spearheaded a campaign to introduce legislation forcing private landlords to install smoke alarms in their rental properties.

In addition to his efforts in keeping people safe, Mark has also volunteered a significant amount of time in support of charitable efforts promoting the work of fire and rescue services within the community, with a particular focus on transforming the lives of young people.

As the National Chair of the Prince's Trust Fire Services Association, he is a prominent advocate for the charity and serving as a trustee of the charity Classroom in the Clouds, he has supported four visits to Nepal by Cheshire fire cadets and apprentice firefighters.

These self-funded visits have raised more than £100,000 for the charity and led to the construction of three new schools in rural Nepal, providing education opportunities for disadvantaged children – particularly girls.