A fire service specialist from Chadderton has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his work supporting burn victims and developing a pioneering programme to prevent deliberate fire setting.
Peter Fitzpatrick, aged 54, has been awarded an MBE for services to burn victims following years of work supporting young people and adults affected by fire related trauma.
Mr Fitzpatrick has been closely involved with Burns Camp, a project supporting young burn survivors, for more than half of his fire service career. The work has brought him into contact with children and families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives, with long term support continuing well beyond the initial incidents.
In 2022, he also co developed the Atlas Project for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with Greater Manchester Probation Service. The project focuses on adults with a history of, or increased likelihood of, starting fires and aims to change behaviour through targeted education and intervention.
The Atlas Project is supported by clinical psychologists who work to understand the root causes behind fire setting behaviour and help individuals make positive and lasting change. It is understood to be the first programme of its kind anywhere in the world.
The work has been recognised by His Majesty’s Inspectorate as promising practice across the fire sector and won FIRE Magazine Project of the Year in 2023. Mr Fitzpatrick has since travelled to the United States to share learning from the project with international partners.
Reacting to receiving the honour, he said, “Receiving the MBE was a massive shock but very much appreciated. Burns Camp is something I have been involved with for over half of my fire service career and has been a huge part of my life, so it really means a lot to me.
“I have been fortunate to work with some incredible people, friends and colleagues, over the years, and have even been reunited with young people on camp after initially helping them during operational incidents.
“It is really nice to be recognised for this, and the exposure will hopefully benefit Burns Camp as a whole, and that can only be a good thing.
“I am also really proud of the Atlas Project and the difference it has made, and as with Burns Camp, there is a great team behind this work and every single one of them deserve this recognition.”
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