Last updated at 11:50, Friday, 02 November 2012

A long-serving Cumbrian ambulance boss who was involved in two major tragedies was presented with a top honour during a visit to Buckingham Palace.

Honour: Cumbrian ambulance boss Peter Mulcahy, second left, at Buckingham Palace, to collect his Queen's medal with, from left, his Mother-In-Law Agnes, his wife Jeanette, and brother Kevin Mulcahy

Peter Mulcahy, the North West Ambulance Service’s head of service for Cumbria and Lancashire, has more than three decades of service.

They have included leading ambulance responses at several major incidents – including the Keswick School bus crash and west Cumbrian shootings in 2010.

Earlier this year he was shortlisted for the prestigious Queen’s Ambulance Medal – awarded to those who have shown exemplary dedication to their role, and demonstrated outstanding ability, merit and conduct.

Although 1,000 people were named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2012, Peter was just one of five nominated for the special ambulance honour.

He went to Buckingham Palace to receive it on October 19.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “It was a fantastic experience, and one I never dreamed of happening.

“I am so proud that after 34 years’ service I have received such an award – and going to Buckingham Palace was an unexpected bonus.

“I consider it an honour, not only on a personal level, but also for NWAS. It’s recognition for my profession. As well as thanking the wider NWAS team, I would also like to thank my teams in Cumbria and Lancashire for their support.”

Peter currently oversees more than 70 per cent of the trust’s 3,000-mile footprint.

Since being appointed he has led the service in its response to major Cumbrian floods in 2000, the tragic school bus crash in on the A66 near Keswick and the west Cumbrian shootings, where 12 people were killed and 45 injured.

In each of these challenging incidents, Peter was praised for his clear and strong leadership.

He became a figurehead of the multi-agency responses, carrying out media briefings and ensuring that staff were fully supported.

Mary Whyham, chair-woman of the ambulance service, said: “The NWAS board is delighted Peter has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“His commitment to the work of the ambulance service and in particular, to the people and patients of Cumbria and Lancashire is outstanding. ”

First published at 11:44, Friday, 02 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk