The Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards have announced a new charity partner legacy initiative as part of their 2025/26 celebrations. This year’s chosen charity partner is Foyle Search and Rescue, last year’s winner of the Voluntary Search and Rescue Service of the Year category.
Under the new initiative, each year’s winner in this category will become the official charity partner for the following year’s event, ensuring ongoing recognition, visibility, and support for the voluntary organisations that provide life-saving services across Northern Ireland.
The awards will once again be hosted by Pamela Ballantine MBE and will take place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Thursday 26th February 2026.
Co-founders Graham Given and Jason Gillard of CTS (Connect Through Service), the team behind the Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards, said:
“We were incredibly moved by the response to the first-ever Blue Light Awards. It’s clear how deeply our communities value the courage and commitment of our emergency services. This year, we’re not only celebrating excellence but building a lasting legacy through our charity partner initiative, creating meaningful, ongoing support for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”
Representatives from across Northern Ireland’s emergency services have also praised the awards, recognising their role in uniting and celebrating those who serve on the front line:
Deputy Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Bobby Singleton said: “The Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards are a powerful celebration of the dedication, professionalism and selflessness that define our emergency services. Every day, our police officers, staff, and colleagues across the blue light community work side by side to protect and serve the public, often in the most challenging of circumstances.
“These awards not only recognise exceptional acts of bravery and leadership, but also highlight the compassion, teamwork and resilience that underpin everything we do. I’m proud to see the continued growth of this event, and to stand alongside all those who make Northern Ireland a safer place for everyone.”
Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), Mark Deeney commented: “The NI Blue Light Awards is a positive initiative that celebrates and highlights the invaluable work carried out every day by NIFRS and our partner agencies. This is an excellent opportunity to publicly recognise the selfless dedication, commitment and professionalism of individuals who work so hard to keep people safe and respond when they need us most.”
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) Chief Executive (Interim) Maxine Paterson commented;
“Every day, our clinicians and control colleagues step forward with skill, compassion and quiet courage to help people in their moments of greatest need. The Blue Light Awards remind us that behind every response, there are people who care deeply about the communities they serve. These awards are not only about recognising acts of heroism but about celebrating the shared values that unite all of us across the blue light family; teamwork, integrity and service. I’m incredibly proud of our NIAS staff and volunteers whose professionalism and kindness make such a difference to lives across Northern Ireland.”
Now entering their second year, the Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards continue to honour the outstanding dedication, courage, and commitment of emergency services personnel across the region.
Free to enter and open to all branches of Northern Ireland’s emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, The Police Service of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and both statutory and voluntary Search & Rescue teams, the Awards recognise those who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Building on last year’s success, two new award categories have been introduced: Contribution to Diversity will recognise individuals or teams driving real progress in equality and inclusion across the emergency services and Blue Light Support Staff of the Year which will celebrate the vital contributions of those behind the scenes, from call handlers and planners to IT, logistics, communications, and admin professionals whose work enables frontline teams to deliver life-saving support.
In total, 18 categories will be awarded, including Bravery and Courage, Team of the Year, Leader of the Year, and Emergency Service of the Year.
Entries and nominations are officially open until Sunday, 23rd November 2025. Whether you want to celebrate a colleague, recognise a team, or highlight an unsung hero, this is your opportunity to honour those who serve and protect our communities every day.
For nominations, entries, and more information, visit www.bluelightawards.com