Blue Light Awards

On 27th February 2025, the inaugural Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards lit up the Culloden Estate and Spa, honouring the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. With over 300 guests in attendance, this spectacular event celebrated the incredible efforts of our police, fire, ambulance, search & rescue, and other frontline emergency responders—the everyday heroes who go above and beyond to keep us safe. Hosted by Pamela Ballantine MBE, the night featured powerful stories of service, special messages from key public figures, and unforgettable entertainment, all while raising vital funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. ?? Jason Gillard, co-founder: "These awards were created to honour those who face the toughest challenges every day, often without recognition. Seeing the passion, courage, and dedication in the room was truly humbling." ?? Graham Given, co-founder: "Following this incredible night, we’re excited to expand the Blue Light Awards across the UK and Ireland, ensuring even more emergency service professionals receive the recognition they deserve." A huge thank you to Connect Through Service Ltd, our amazing sponsors, and everyone who supported this landmark event. Congratulations to all who were recognised—your dedication is an inspiration to us all! ?? Motorola Solutions Reid Black Solicitors Ltd Hinch Distillery Vikela Salt Communications Belfast Harbour Cherton Secure True Potential LLP BT Group ?? Stay tuned as we spotlight our incredible winners in the coming days! Weir Events judges Cara Marks CIPD Mark Lindsay MBE Davy Nichols Jeremy McWilliams Richard hogg Dame Kelly Holmes Martin Breen Gray Mcdonald #NIBlueLightAwards #BlueLightHeroes #EmergencyServices #SearchAndRescue #FireAndRescue #Paramedics #Police ??????

What an amazing night at the Blue Light Awards. I was so proud to be one of the judges and to get the opportunity to present the award for “Overcoming Adversity”. The night was fantastic start to finish. Well done Connect Through Service Ltd for bringing these awards to Northern Ireland and making them truely memorable

?? What a Night! The First-Ever NI Blue Light Awards! ?? Last night, we made history. The Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards brought together the incredible men and women of our emergency services and search & rescue teams for a night of well-deserved recognition, celebration, and unity. From the inspiring nominees to the winners who truly embody dedication and bravery, it was a privilege to shine a spotlight on those who serve our communities day in and day out. A huge thank you to our sponsors, judges, and everyone who made this groundbreaking event possible. Your support has helped create something truly special for the emergency services in Northern Ireland. ?? Photos and videos will be released in the coming days and weeks – so stay tuned! You won’t want to miss the highlights from this unforgettable evening. Emma Little-Pengelly BL MLA #NIBlueLightAwards #HonouringOurHeroes #EmergencyServices #SearchAndRescue #FirstResponders

The countdown is on! Just 3 Days to Go! In three days, we’ll be recognising the bravery, dedication, and excellence of Northern Ireland’s incredible emergency services at the Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards 2025. Get ready for an evening of celebration and honour as we shine a light on the everyday heroes who keep our communities safe. ?? Date: 27th February 2025 ?? Venue: Culloden Estate and Spa We can’t wait to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our finalists and winners! #bluelightawards #countdown #everydayheroes #celebratededication #serviceandsacrifice

Training search and rescue animals requires patience, skill, and deep dedication. The Animal Trainer of the Year Award, sponsored by Vikela, celebrates those who work tirelessly to ensure our four-legged heroes are prepared for life-saving missions. Congratulations to our finalists: Dr Neil Powell – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North Ralph O’Connor – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North Rosie Rowbotham – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North These individuals play a vital role in ensuring search and rescue dogs are trained to the highest standard, helping to save lives in some of the most challenging environments. Join us at the Awards Ceremony on 27th February 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa as we recognise their achievements and announce the winner of this prestigious award. A huge thank you to Vikela for supporting this category and helping us honour the trainers behind our heroic rescue dogs. #bluelightawards #vikela #animaltraineroftheyear #searchandrescue #everydayheroes #serviceandsacrifice

Behind every emergency response, there are organisations that provide essential services, innovation, and support. The Blue Light Partner/Supplier of the Year Award, sponsored by Cherton Secure, recognises those who play a crucial role in strengthening and enabling emergency services across Northern Ireland. Congratulations to our finalists: ? BT Group ? Deloitte ? DOWDs ? Felix O'Hare & Co. Ltd ? G4S ? Henry Brothers ? Lena (By Inspire) ? Motorola Solutions ? Proparamedics These organisations have made a significant impact, ensuring our emergency services have the resources, expertise, and infrastructure needed to keep communities safe. Join us at the Awards Ceremony on 27th February 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa, where we will celebrate their contributions and announce the winner of this prestigious award. A huge thank you to Cherton Secure for supporting this category and recognising the vital role of suppliers and partners in emergency services. #bluelightawards #chertonsecure #partnersinsafety #everydayheroes #serviceandsacrifice

The future of our emergency services is shaped by individuals who bring dedication, innovation, and passion to their roles. The Emerging Talent of the Year Award, sponsored by Salt Communications, recognises those who are making an incredible impact early in their careers. Congratulations to our finalists: Constable Robyn O'Conor – Police Service of Northern Ireland Paul McCarron – Irish Cave Rescue Organisation Rosie Rowbotham – Search & Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North Each of these rising stars has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and potential, contributing to the future strength of Northern Ireland’s emergency services. Join us at the Awards Ceremony on 27th February 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa as we celebrate their achievements and announce the winner of this prestigious award. A special thank you to Salt Communications for supporting this category and recognising the next generation of emergency service professionals. #bluelightawards #emergingtalent #everydayheroes #serviceandsacrifice #futureleaders

Behind every emergency response, there are individuals whose dedication and commitment often go unnoticed. The Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Motorola Solutions, recognises those who make an extraordinary impact without seeking the spotlight. Congratulations to our finalists: ??Chief Inspector Tori Anderson – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Clair O'Connor – Search & Rescue Dog Association - SARDA Ireland North ??Constable Robyn O’Connor – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Constable Stevie Dickson – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Hazel Gallagher – Community Rescue Service ??Inspector Mandy Long – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Ivan Barr & Brenda McAnenny – Community Rescue Service ??Kalon McDaid – St John Ambulance Northern Ireland ??Phil Maxwell – Irish Cave Rescue Organisation These individuals have gone above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional dedication and service to their teams and communities. Their work makes a real difference, often without recognition—until now. Join us at the Awards Ceremony on 27th February 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa as we honour their contributions and celebrate their achievements. A huge thank you to Motorola Solutions for supporting this category and helping us recognise these true heroes. #bluelightawards #unsunghero #everydayheroes #serviceandsacrifice

Leadership in emergency services requires strength, vision, and dedication. The Blue Light Leader of the Year award recognises those who have gone above and beyond in guiding, supporting, and inspiring their teams to deliver excellence in service. Congratulations to our finalists: ?? Chief Superintendent Amanda Ford – Police Service of Northern Ireland ?? Chief Michael Daly – Belfast Harbour Police ?? Rosie Byrne – Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Each of these outstanding leaders has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their teams and communities. Their influence makes a lasting impact on the people they work with and the lives they help protect. Join us on 27th February 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa as we celebrate their achievements and reveal the winner of this prestigious award. #bluelightawards #leadership #everydayheroes #serviceandsacrifice

We’re honoured to reveal the finalists for the Bravery & Courage Award, sponsored by Connect Through Service Ltd. These incredible individuals and teams have demonstrated extraordinary courage, selflessness, and dedication in the face of adversity, protecting their communities with unwavering bravery. Congratulations to: ?? Police Service of Northern Ireland Crime Team – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??D Section Lurgan Local Policing Team – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Retired Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Margaret Elliott – Community Rescue Service ??Serving Officer – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Serving Officer – Police Service of Northern Ireland ??Sean McCluskey – Northern Ireland Ambulance Service ??Warren Logan – Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Their exceptional bravery and resilience make them true heroes in our community. Join us on 27th February 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa as we honour their achievements and announce the winner of this prestigious award. A special thanks to Connect Through Service for supporting this category and recognising the courage of our blue light heroes. #bluelightawards #courageandbravery #everydayheroes #serviceandsacrifice #connectthroughservice