TWO dedicated members of the ambulance service have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours for their exceptional service to their local communities.

Christopher Mann, who works as an operations officer at Falmouth Ambulance Station, has been awarded the King’s Ambulance Medal and Stephen Farbrother, a volunteer community first responder from Gorran Haven, has received a British Empire Medal.

Mr Mann, a paramedic of more than 20 years, was awarded the prestigious accolade for his outstanding dedication, professionalism and commitment to both patient care and the welfare of his colleagues.

Mr Farbrother, aged 74, was recognised for his more than 15 years of outstanding voluntary service as a community first responder, which are trained volunteers who attend certain types of emergency 999 calls in the areas where they live or work, often providing lifesaving early intervention before an ambulance arrives.

Mr Mann was nominated for his role as an operations officer after consistently going above and beyond to support staff wellbeing, development and morale. He has become widely known as a calm, compassionate and dependable leader over a career spanning two decades, whose support has had a lasting positive impact on organisational culture locally in Cornwall.

Mr Mann has shown exceptional passion and selflessness in supporting colleagues, often helping individuals through challenging professional and personal circumstances. He is recognised for his ability to have honest, fair and compassionate conversations, and for putting the needs of others first.

He is now a trainee specialist paramedic in Urgent and Emergency Care and is due to complete his training in 2027. His move into specialist paramedic training reflects his continued commitment to improving patient outcomes and ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The King’s Ambulance Medal honours a very small and select group of ambulance personnel who have demonstrated exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding ability, merit and conduct in their roles within NHS ambulance services.

Mr Mann said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award. I feel very fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated and inspiring colleagues over the years. Serving the communities of Cornwall is a privilege, and I remain passionate about continuing to support patients and colleagues.”

Mr Farbrother has been a valued member of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust since May 2009 and has given a large amount of his time as a solo community first responder for his local village.

He has put others before himself despite experiencing significant personal challenges, including the loss of his wife and a period of ill health,

Mr Farbrother has also long been at the heart of his community supporting local fundraising, delivering papers for more than 20 years, driving the village bus and regularly checking in on vulnerable residents.

Mr Farbrother said: “I was shocked, surprised and truly humbled when I heard about the nomination. I have always enjoyed being a Community First Responder, but I’ve never thought of myself as anything more than a very small part of a great team.

“Supporting my local community has never been about recognition; it’s about being there for people when they need help most, offering time, care and reassurance. To be nominated for a British Empire Medal is an incredible honour, and one I share with everyone I have had the privilege of working alongside over the years.”

Wayne Darch MBE, director of operations, South at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust , said: “Both Mr Mann and Mr Farbrother exemplify the very best of our ambulance service and the communities we serve.

“Mr Mann’s King’s Ambulance Medal recognises not only his excellent clinical background, but the extraordinary care, leadership and compassion he has shown in supporting colleagues throughout his career.

“Mr Farbrother’s British Empire Medal is a powerful recognition of more than 15 years of selfless voluntary service, and of the vital role Community First Responders play in supporting patients in their local communities.

“We are immensely proud of them both and grateful for the difference they continue to make to patients across Cornwall. I know colleagues across the Trust will join me in congratulating them on their very well-deserved honours.”

Mr Mann and Mr Farbrother will both collect their medals later in the year.