Community Safety Officer Muhammad Ahsan Awarded British Empire Medal in King’s Birthday Honours 2025

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is proud to announce that Community Safety Officer Dr Muhammad Ahsan has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 for his outstanding contributions to inclusion, diversity, and community safety.

With over 15 years of dedicated service, Muhammad has been a driving force behind efforts to build safer, more inclusive communities across Essex. 

From hosting mosque visits to engaging with the Jewish community, including a recent celebration of Sukkot with Canvey Fire Station and Hatzola, Muhammad's work bridges cultural gaps and fosters strong community relationships. This event has even sparked plans for members of the Jewish community to shadow our Community Safety Officers, further strengthening those bonds.

Muhammad’s dedication extends beyond events—he has spent personal time writing and updating guides on Ramadan and worship and holds a Doctorate. At the 2023 Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA) Awards, he launched a national guide to help fire and rescue services support Muslim colleagues during Ramadan, a resource now shared UK-wide.

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton praised Muhammad’s achievements, stating:

“Muhammad's efforts in inclusion, education, and engagement are a shining example of how one individual can make a lasting impact on our Service and communities.

"Congratulations, Muhammad, and thank you for your continued service and commitment.”

This national honour reflects not only Muhammad’s personal dedication but also the Service’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and inclusive excellence.