Deputy Firemaster GEOFF WILLIAMS of the Central Scotland Fire Brigade in the United Kingdom (UK) received the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service in the UK fire and rescue service. Williams, a 29-year veteran, is president of the International Emergency Technical Rescue Institute. He has been active in improving technical rescue, raising the international standards of urban search and rescue services, and developing cutting-edge emergency management systems for critical crisis emergency teams.
E. BENJAMIN AYER retired as chief of the Henniker (NH) Fire Department after serving as chief for 35 years. Ayer served as deputy chief for 15 years and has been a member for 60 years. He will remain a New Hampshire state fire warden and a member of the Henniker Fire Department.