Mr Paul Burns, of Prebbleton, MNZM, for services to Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Paul Burns held several positions with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), including as Chief Fire Officer of brigades across Canterbury. He led the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Southern Team’s Task Force 2, contributing to the response efforts following the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. As part of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), he has mentored USAR teams aiming to achieve their International External Classification (IEC). He was a mentor with the United States Agency for International Deployment. He mentors the USAR Teams for the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. Mr Burns has trained staff working at Scott Base in Antarctica.