Melksham referee makes history – and then receives New Year Honour

IT’S been quite a festive season for local referee-come-firefighter Sam Allison.

First, he made history on Boxing Day when he became the Premier League’s first black referee in 15 years when he took charge of the Sheffield United vs Luton Town match. Then he was recognised with a King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) in the 2024 New Year Honours List.

Sam, a former George Ward School pupil, is only the second black referee to take charge of a Premier League match after Uriah Rennie, whose last top flight game was in 2008.

As a referee, he was promoted to the Football League in 2020 and then to the Championship earlier this year.

Sam had a dual career as a match official and a firefighter, before turning his attention to officiating on a full-time basis.

His work as station manager for the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service earned him the New Year honour. He was recognised for his drive and passion in promoting greater inclusivity including his significant efforts working with harder-to-reach communities.

Incredibly privileged

“I feel incredibly privileged to be awarded with such a distinguished medal,” he said. “I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me in my career and been a part of my journey, supporting my vision for a more inclusive workplace.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to chief fire officer Ben Ansell and assistant chief officer Jenny Long for their leadership, guidance and support in my mission. I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues and community for helping me reach a stage where I can proudly accept this award as a mark of my achievement. I will continue to drive change, challenge adversity, and always strive for excellence. Thank you for this unexpected and humbling award.”

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said, “Sam has established and led a staff network that helps the Service to engage with minority ethnic staff. Through this dialogue, he has been instrumental in helping the organisation to be a better and more inclusive employer. His outstanding leadership and hard work has led to significant improvements in how the Service works, including an increase to our minority ethnic staff population.

Passion and commitment

“During the pandemic, Sam led the Service’s efforts to increase the take-up rates of the Covid-19 vaccine from under-represented groups and remote communities, such as those living on the canals and rivers of Wiltshire.

“He combined his football referee and fire service passions when he worked closely with Swindon Town Football Club to support their PL Kicks project. This involved representatives from the Service’s prevention, protection and emergency response areas in a football match against Swindon Town but, more importantly, Sam used the project to inspire the younger generation to see the fire and rescue service as an employer of choice.

Chief fire officer Ben Ansell said, “I am absolutely delighted that Sam has been recognised nationally for his outstanding leadership, passion and commitment to making the fire and rescue service inclusive for all. I send congratulations to Sam on behalf of everyone at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, this medal is extremely well deserved.”