We are delighted to announce that Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), has been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal in The King’s New Year Honours list for 2026 for showing exceptional leadership and outstanding commitment to fire and rescue services.
Wayne became Chief Fire Officer at RBFRS in June 2021, and during this portion of his 33-year career in the fire sector, he has worked to improve the services provided to residents of Berkshire.
While Wayne will retire from his role in March 2026, many achievements and milestones have been accomplished under his leadership.
This includes the creation and implementation of the 2023 – 2027 Community Risk Management Plan, which details how we protect our local residents by following our Strategic Commitments and evaluating the delivery of our services across all areas.
His leadership was also integral during the most recent inspection of RBFRS by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services that was published in April 2025. Across the 11 areas inspected, inspectors found the Service was ‘good’ in eight areas and ‘adequate’ in three areas.
Additionally, Wayne has worked consistently at a national level to promote good leadership and governance, particularly through his role as the Leadership Development Strategic Lead with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). As a trustee of the NFCC, Wayne has contributed to good governance of the fire sector at a national level.
Reflecting on his honour, Wayne said: “It is an incredible honour and very humbling to be recognised in the King’s New Years Honours List.
“I owe huge thanks to a lot of people who have supported me to be able to serve the public throughout my career. Especially my family, and colleagues across the country. I have spent my career focusing on serving and leading with care, and I hope that this recognition inspires others to public service and people-focused leadership.”
Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “On behalf of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and RBFRS, I want to congratulate Wayne on being recognised as part of The King’s New Year’s Honours. Wayne has been an excellent Chief of our Service and throughout his many years providing public service to the community, he has demonstrated superb service and commitment. He will leave a profound and lasting mark on the Service. Congratulations Wayne, you should be deeply proud of all your achievements.”