3rd March 2026
The Northern Ireland Blue Lights Awards was recently hosted at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, hosted by TV Royalty Pamela Ballantine MBE. Guests were entertained by performances from Uplifted Gospel Choir led by Kathy McCaughy and belly laughs from comedian Andrew Ryan.
A video message was played from First Minister Michelle O’Neill. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly addressed the audience in person, alongside Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, while guests also heard a video message from Justice Minister Naomi Long. Each paid tribute to the dedication, bravery and resilience demonstrated daily by those serving on the frontline and behind the scenes.
NIAS picked up awards across a number of categories. The Bravery and Courage Award was presented to Darren Leonard and Patrick Donaghy of Altnagelvin Station with Matthew Smith (HROD) receiving the Overcoming Adversity Award. The NIAS Communications Team was awarded Support Staff of the Year. We were also included in the Special Recognition Award presented to JESIP, collected by our Chief Executive, Maxine Paterson, for their outstanding multi-agency coordination and leadership during Storm Eowyn.
In addition to our award winners, our staff also received several Highly Commended recognitions. The ICH Team were highly commended within the Team of the Year category, and the Integrated Clinical Hub Mental Health Team were similarly recognised, alongside our colleagues in the South Eastern Trust for the Innovation & Operational Excellence Award.
Congratulations to everyone who was recognised at the event, and to all those who were nominated, but for whom this was not their year.
Congratulations also to our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who picked up the Blue Light Emergency Service of the Year Award.
