NIFRS Station Commander Karen McDowell. (Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service)
A pioneering transgender firefighter in Northern Ireland has been honoured with an MBE for her services to the LGBT+ community in the 2021 New Year Honours list.
Karen McDowell, a fire station commander, transitioned while working as a firefighter 10 years ago and has since spearheaded efforts to promote acceptance of trans people within the NI Fire and Rescue Service.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Michael Graham congratulated McDowell in a statement.
“Karen is a strong, empathetic and admired role model in NIFRS and I would like to congratulate her on this distinguished and well deserved honour,” he said.
Escape: Firefighters at the scene in Ballymoney
Now raising money through a fundraiser to source accommodation and basic supplies for the residents who have been left destitute, she explained it was extremely fortunate there were no fatalities. Two of the men weren t at home and it was just by chance Daniel came home just at that particular time, explained Susan. Daniel had originally invited me round for coffee that evening but because I had been up early in the morning that day, I had refused. He decided then to take himself off for a quick walk. He was only gone for about an hour and came back at around 9.15pm.
Mr Campbell described the rescue.
“When I saw the smoke coming out of the building I just did what any one of my colleagues would have done in the same scenario, the firefighter said. Thankfully this incident didn’t end in a tragedy but it’s a powerful reminder to all of us of the higher risk of accidental fires in the home during the winter.
“I’d ask everyone in Northern Ireland to support myself and my colleagues this winter by speaking to their friends and family about their home fire safety.”
Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Paddy Gallagher said Mr Campbell s swift and selfless actions represent the very best of the fire service .
Hero off-duty firefighter saves man from burning Co Antrim flat
He was praised for his swift and selfless actions
Moore-Campbell
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As Northern Ireland enters a high-risk period for accidental fires in the home, statistics released by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) show more people have already died in accidental fires in the home this year than during all of last year.
Four fatal accidental fires in the home have already been recorded in 2020/21, with the high-risk winter months still ahead.
In 2019/20, three people tragically died in accidental fires in the home, with 2 of those deaths occurring between December and February.
Over the last 5 years, over 40% of all fatal accidental fires in the home occurred during winter months.
The statistics were released as NIFRS launched its Winter Safety Campaign, aimed at warning the public about the increased risk of accidental fires in the home during the winter months.