Three firefighters from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, North West England, were honored guests at a King's Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace earlier this May, in recognition of their humanitarian work following the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Crew Manager Ian McGee (Colne), Watch Manager Wayne Ward (Blackpool), and Firefighter Richard Cutler (Fleetwood) attended the event as part of the UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR), which was recognized for its deployment to the disaster zone, the Lancashire Telegraph reported Monday. During their mission, they were joined by Lindsey Sielski and search dog Davey B to support search and rescue operations after the 6.8-magnitude quake struck the region. The team was deployed alongside 60 UKISAR personnel from across the country. «It was an honor to be recognized at the King's Garden Party alongside my UKISAR colleagues for our work in Morocco, and a very proud moment for myself and the team», said Wayne Ward. «The work we undertook was incredibly demanding, both physically and emotionally, but knowing we were helping people in their greatest time of need made every moment worthwhile», he added. «It was a privilege to contribute to such an important humanitarian effort and represent both Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the UK on the international stage». During their time in Morocco, the team's mission involved locating and rescuing survivors trapped under collapsed buildings, working in coordination with international partners in extremely challenging conditions. They saved a 91-year-old woman and helped reunite another rescued woman with her two-year-old daughter. UKISAR is part of the UK government's emergency response network and is on call 24/7, 365 days a year. The King's Royal Garden Party is held annually to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to public service, charity, and community life.
