Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), has been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal in the 2026 New Year Honours for his exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to fire and rescue services.
Mr Bowcock, who became Chief Fire Officer in June 2021, has spent 33 years in the fire sector and will retire in March 2026. During his tenure, he oversaw major improvements in the delivery of services across Berkshire and guided the Service through a highly regarded national inspection.
Under his leadership, RBFRS implemented the 2023–2027 Community Risk Management Plan, which outlines strategies to protect local residents while maintaining high standards across all areas of service. In the most recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services, the Service was rated ‘good’ in eight of 11 areas inspected.
Beyond Berkshire, Mr Bowcock contributed at a national level through the National Fire Chiefs Council, serving as Leadership Development Strategic Lead and as a trustee, promoting governance and leadership across the sector.
Reflecting on the award, he said:
“It is an incredible honour and very humbling to be recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. I owe huge thanks to my family and colleagues across the country. I have spent my career focusing on serving and leading with care, and I hope this recognition inspires others to public service and people-focused leadership.”
Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, added:
“Wayne has been an excellent Chief of our Service and throughout his many years providing public service to the community, he has demonstrated superb service and commitment. He will leave a profound and lasting mark on the Service.”
