Graham Biss, Steve Apter and Jeremy Dale have all been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, it has been announced tonight (Friday).
Graham Biss, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community. The 58-year-old from Freshwater has been recognised for his long career providing personal and professional support to businesses and initiatives, as well as providing support during the COVID pandemic. Graham is on the board of Natural Enterprise and is the CEO of Gift to Nature.
Steve Apter, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, has been awarded The Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service. The award comes just ahead of Steve’s retirement from the service this month having worked his way up the ladder over the past 31 years.
54-year-old Steve started his career as a retained firefighter in Shanklin in 1990 before taking up a wholetime position at Newport in 1991. In 2011, Steve was appointed Chief Fire Officer of the Isle of Wight and in 2016 he moved on to join London Fire Brigade as Deputy Commissioner and Director of Safety and Assurance. Then, in 2019, Steve returned to the South Coast having been in command at incidents in the Capital including the Westminster Bridge terror attack and the aftermath of Grenfell Tower.
DCFO Apter has said:
“I am truly honoured and humbled to have been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal.
“I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work with the best teams who I have learned so much from.
“However, by far the best team is my family who have supported me and been there throughout, in good times and the most challenging times. This award is very much the Apter’s Team Award!”
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Steve is looking forward to his retirement with his wife Andrea and their 3 children Lucia, Nina and Elliot.
Jeremy Dale has been made an OBE for services to maritime safety. Jeremey, from Newport, is the Managing Director of SeaSafe – a role he has held for over 28 years. From a 8000 sq ft factory in Cowes, the company produces safety provides for both professional and recreational sailors.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said:
“The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country.
“Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes. From those using their expertise to help develop life-saving vaccines, which are now being rolled out successfully to all parts of the UK, to the people who have given time and energy to care for their communities.
“We should take heart from the stories of those receiving honours today and be inspired by their courage and kindness. May they be a reminder of all that we can achieve when we come together as a society.”
