NIFRS Station Commander Karen McDowell. (Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service)
A pioneering transgender firefighter in Northern Ireland has been honoured with an MBE for her services to the LGBT+ community in the 2021 New Year Honours list.
Karen McDowell, a fire station commander, transitioned while working as a firefighter 10 years ago and has since spearheaded efforts to promote acceptance of trans people within the NI Fire and Rescue Service.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Michael Graham congratulated McDowell in a statement.
“Karen is a strong, empathetic and admired role model in NIFRS and I would like to congratulate her on this distinguished and well deserved honour,” he said.