Des Tidbury, the Cornwall's Chief Fire Officer, has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.

Mr Tidbury who joined Cornwall Council as Chief Fire Officer and Head of Community Safety in 2009, announced earlier this year that he was formally retiring from the Council on 31 December having completed 36 years in the Fire and Rescue Service.

Welcoming news of the honour Geoff Brown, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said “I would like to congratulate Des on his very well deserved New Year’s honour. The timing is extremely appropriate given that Des retires today as Chief Fire Officer for Cornwall. “

“Des joined Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service as its lead officer in 2009 when it had been assessed as a failing service and has played a key role in leading the service to become the very efficient and effective service that it is today. He was subsequently appointed as the Council’s Director for Community Safety and Protection and his inspirational leadership has seen Cornwall being recognised nationally as an exemplary authority in this area. “

“I would like to formally congratulate Des on his honour and on behalf of Cornwall Council thank him for his leadership and friendship and wish him a long and successful retirement.”