Congratulations to the Rutland Community First Responders (CFRs) on receiving the 2026 King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising their exceptional contributions to emergency care.
The group’s coordinator described the award as a tribute to the team’s “commitment, courage and compassion” in supporting local people during their moments of greatest need.
The self-funded volunteer group, formed 16 years ago, responds to 999 emergency calls on behalf of East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) across Rutland and the surrounding areas.
CFRs act as a crucial bridge between the onset of an emergency and the arrival of ambulance crews, helping to save lives and improve outcomes during time-critical emergencies.
On average, Rutland CFR volunteers contribute around 800 hours each month, attending up to 100 patients at all hours of the day and night.
As well as responding to emergencies, the group is a vital part of community resilience, delivering CPR and defibrillator training in schools, workplaces and community groups.
The King’s Award
The group is one of only 250 groups nationwide to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2026, the highest accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK. Often described as the MBE for volunteer groups, the award is granted for life.
Barbara Crellin, Rutland CFR Group Coordinator, said: “I can’t express strongly enough how very proud I am, as a founder member, to be coordinator and part of the team.
“This award is a tribute to their commitment, courage and compassion. Day in, day out, they step forward to support our community in moments of greatest need.
“To be recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a true honour for the whole team.”
Lorraine Orton, Community Response Manager for EMAS in Leicestershire and Rutland, added: “I am incredibly proud and delighted that Rutland Community First Responders have received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2026.
“This is an outstanding achievement and a fitting tribute to the dedication, commitment and compassion shown by every one of the team.
“Our volunteers give so much of their own time, often responding in challenging circumstances and at all hours of the day and night to support people in their greatest moments of need.
“They do this selflessly, and make a truly remarkable difference to patients, families and the wider community.
“This award recognises not only the emergency care they provide, but also the countless hours spent training, supporting one another, raising awareness and teaching others vital lifesaving skills.”
The group is set to receive the award from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, at a celebration held at Oakham Castle in the coming months.
Pictured – Rutland Community First Responders. Back row (L-R): John, John, Jeremy, Richard; and front row: Barbara, Jackie, Juliet, Carole