Inaugural Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards recognise local heroes that make communities safer and stronger
Inspirational individuals and teams from across the emergency services have been celebrated for their incredible efforts and community impact at the first Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards.
Organisers of the awards, Connect Through Service, an organisation that supports post-service careers, led the prestigious ceremony at Holywood’s Culloden Estate and Spa, attended by over 300 guests.
16 category award winners were chosen by a panel of high profile representatives from the public service, media, sport and business sectors.
Winners included Dr Neil Powell of Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North (SARDA IN) for his Outstanding Contribution to a Blue Light Service.
And Air Ambulance Northern Ireland were presented with the award for Emergency Service of the Year.
Margaret Elliott of Community Rescue Service was named Most Influential Blue Light Woman of the Year and Sean McCluskey from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service won the Overcoming Adversity Award.
Winner of the Outstanding Contribution award, Dr Neil Powell from Newcastle, County Down, established SARDA IN in 1978.
His groundbreaking work in training search and rescue dogs to locate people in challenging areas, from mountains to collapsed urban zones, has saved countless lives in critical situations around the world.
The judging panel noted how significantly Dr Powell’s leadership and sheer dedication has strengthened the search and rescue community both locally and globally. His commitment to awareness raising, mentorship and professionalism, made him a worthy winner of this special award.
Among the guests on the evening were deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Chief Constable Jon Boutcher; Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service; and Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Michael Bloomfield.
Messages of support were also shared from First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Justice Minister Naomi Long and Olympic legend Col Dame Kelly Holmes MBE.
Hosted by much-loved broadcaster Pamela Ballantine MBE, guests enjoyed an evening of celebrations including a surprise performance by the Rock Choir led by Sophie Giraudea, comedian Paddy Raff and Q Radio DJ Ibe Sesay, with vital funds being raised on the night for charity partner Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Jason Gillard, co-founder of Connect Through Service and the awards, said: “We are incredibly proud to have hosted the first Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards.
“Our vision was to shine the spotlight on the remarkable people that make a difference to lives every single day, often under the most difficult circumstances, and often without public recognition.
“The result was a humbling display of drive, passion and courage.”
Graham Given, co-founder of Connect Through Service said: “Congratulations to every single winner, highly commended and nominee at the inaugural Blue Light Awards and thank you to all the local businesses that supported the event so enthusiastically.
“It was a truly special evening that really showcased the true definition of service. Following such an amazing event here, we plan to roll out similar awards across the UK and Ireland in the months ahead.”
The Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards were proudly supported by headline partner Connect Through Service and category partners Motorola Solutions, BT, Salt, Reid Black, True Potential, Hinch Whiskey, Belfast Harbour, Vikela and Cherton Secure.
***
The Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards were delivered by Weir Events www.weirevents.co.uk on behalf of Connect Through Service – Connect Through Service
Full list of winners:
– Emerging Talent of the Year (Category Partner – Salt)
Winner: Rosie Rowbotham – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North
Judges felt Rosie’s leadership in securing funding and advancing techniques, along with her focus on technology and community awareness will have a lasting impact.
– Blue Light Youth Champion of the Year (Category Partner – Belfast Harbour)
Winner: Daniel Sharpe – St John Ambulance Northern Ireland
Judges were impressed by Daniel’s exceptional leadership and innovative initiatives at St John Ambulance Coleraine, empowering young people in community safety.
Highly commended: Serving Officer, Police Service of Northern Ireland
– Resilience & Learning from Major Incidents (Category Partner – Motorola Solutions)
Winner: JESIP Training Team – PSNI/NIAS/NIFRS/HMCG/HMP
JESIP’s ability to unite all emergency services allowed for shared situational awareness and strengthened inter-agency coordination. Judges noted how this has enhanced preparedness for future emergencies in NI.
– Blue Light Partner / Supplier of the Year (Category Partner – Cherton Secure)
Winner: Lena by Inspire
Judges recognised that Lena by Inspire has been instrumental in improving the mental health of NI’s blue light community through initiatives like Critical Incident Support and a 24/7 Mental Health helpline.
– Animal Trainer of the Year (Category Partner – Vikela)
Winner: Raph O’Connor – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North
Judges were impressed by Raph’s tailored training programmes, commitment to animal and responder wellbeing and successful missions, all of which demonstrate his skills and dedication.
– Most Influential ‘Blue Light Woman’ of the Year (Category Partner – Belfast Harbour) Winner: Margaret Elliott – Community Rescue Service
Judges commented that Margaret embodies strength, resilience and leadership. Her unwavering dedication and advocacy for women in emergency services make her a deserving recipient of this award.
– Most Influential ‘Blue Light Man’ of the Year (Category Partner – Reid Black Solicitors)
Winner: Mark Bothwell, Airport Chief Fire Officer, Belfast International Airport Fire Service
From advancing fire safety initiatives to empowering the next generation of emergency responders, judges believed Mark has transformed the Belfast International Airport Fire Service and strengthened collaboration throughout the blue light community.
– Most Influential ‘Blue Light LGBTQ+ Individual’ of the Year (Presented by Air Ambulance NI)
Winner: Daniel Elphick – Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Daniel has driven meaningful change within NIFRS, co-founding its first LGBTQ+ staff network and improving visibility and advocacy. His leadership is creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.
– Leader of the Year (Category Partner – BT)
Winner: Chief Officer Michael Daly – Belfast Harbour Police
Chief Daly’s leadership has modernised operations, enhanced community engagement and security. His commitment to proactive policing has created an adaptable team and more connected harbour environment.
– Unsung Hero Award (Category Partner – Motorola Solutions)
Winner: Kalon McDaid – St John Ambulance Northern Ireland
Judges were incredibly impressed by Kalon’s dedication to saving lives, mentoring future lifesavers and supporting his colleagues.
Highly commended: Constable Stevie Dickson, Police Service of Northern Ireland.
– Blue Light Team of the Year (Category Partner – True Potential)
Winner: Peer Support Network – Police Service of Northern Ireland
The Peer Network’s dedication to enhancing wellbeing within the PSNI stood out for judges. Through their 24/7 support system, the Peer Support Network has made a profound impact, ensuring the resilience of the workforce and community they serve.
Highly commended: Integrated Clinical Hub, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
– Bravery & Courage Award (Category Partner – Connect Through Service)
Winner: Retired Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell – Police Service of Northern Ireland
John has been recognised for his extraordinary courage, not only in surviving a targeted attack but also in protecting those around him. His continued dedication to public service continues to inspire many today.
Highly commended: Serving Team, Police Service of Northern Ireland.
– Overcoming Adversity Award (Category Partner – Connect Through Service)
Winner: Sean McCluskey – Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
The panel noted that Sean’s remarkable bravery and selflessness, despite the challenges of his own illness, make him an inspiring example of compassion and resilience.
– Blue Light Voluntary Search & Rescue Service of the Year (Category Partner – Connect Through Service)
Winner: Foyle Search & Rescue
Foyle Search and Rescue has embraced technology to streamline operations. Its community initiatives, like the Lighthouse Project, play a crucial role in suicide prevention and mental health support.
– Blue Light Emergency Service of the Year (Category Partner – BT)
Winner: Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Judges recognised Air Ambulance Northern Ireland’s use of technology to improve emergency medical care and its continuous training and community engagement efforts to enhance public safety and support.
Highly commended: Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.
– Outstanding Contribution to a Blue Light Service (Category Partner – Hinch Distillery)
Dr Neil Powell – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North
(Details within news release).
