Max Gibbs, a control room firefighter with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, has been honoured with a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for his outstanding role during a house fire in Hampshire in September 2025. Max stayed on the emergency call for 40 minutes, offering Fire Survival Guidance to a couple and their baby trapped inside until firefighters arrived and rescued them safely by ladder.
Calm Under Pressure
Despite being in the job for less than a year, Max maintained a steady and clear voice throughout the call, preventing panic and providing vital instructions that helped keep the family safe during the critical moments before rescue teams reached them.
Life-saving Guidance
Max’s persistent support enabled the trapped family to follow essential safety advice, increasing their chances of escape. His actions demonstrate the crucial role control room personnel play in life-saving situations beyond the frontline crews.
Recognition From Fire Chiefs
Station Manager Mike Carpenter and Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton praised Max’s professionalism and focus, highlighting that not every rescue is about dramatic frontline heroics. Mike Carpenter remarked, “It’s not always the dramatic rescues. Sometimes it’s the person in the control room who refuses to let panic take over.”
New Talent On The Rise
Max’s achievement underscores the impact that dedicated and skilled firefighters, even those new to the role, can have on emergency outcomes for local communities in Hampshire and beyond.
