Jubilee medal for rescue volunteer

A University of Reading security officer who volunteers for the region’s search and rescue unit has been honoured with the award of a medal marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Paul Aplin, who works in the Security team at Whiteknights, was presented with the Platinum Jubilee Medal by the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, at a ceremony on campus on Monday (20 June) alongside 28 of his volunteer colleagues from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR).

Paul volunteers with BLSAR in addition to his full-time work in the Security team. His search and rescue volunteering puts him alongside other emergency services personnel across the region to help find individuals who need rescuing by specialist trained experts.

BLSAR is a charity that relies on donations and volunteers to deliver crucial support for people in Berkshire, particularly using specialist skills to help to find missing persons. Their work relies on donations from the public, and volunteers pay for their own equipment and travel costs. The service has 80 volunteers and in 2021 was called out more than once a week, on average.

Professor Mark Fellowes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading, attended the presentation ceremony and welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant and BLSAR to the University, along with Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, Chief Fire Officer for Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Wayne Bowcock and the chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority Councillor Colin Dudley. 

Professor Fellowes said: “We are immensely proud of all our colleagues who volunteer their time and skills to a wider contribution to our community, and today is a superb opportunity to thank Paul Aplin and all of his colleagues in the search and rescue services.

“Paul’s award of a Platinum Jubilee Medal is well deserved for his many years of hard work and dedication, not just to help keeping the University community safe on campus, but for being there when needed to help with search and rescue efforts across Berkshire.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire is Her Majesty The Queen’s permanent representative for the Royal County of Berkshire, and acts for The Queen in carrying out ceremonial duties, such as the presentation of honours and awards.

The Platinum Jubilee Medal is being awarded to serving members of the Armed Forces or frontline emergency services, including those in a voluntary capacity, with at least five years’ service.