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Mark Mapp, Guernsey's Chief Ambulance Officer, has been admitted into the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
The Order – commonly known as the Order of St John – has its roots in a hospice in Jerusalem in the 11th century. The international charity provides health care and support in more than 40 countries through a dedicated team of around 250,000 volunteers and staff.
An individual can be admitted to the Order for outstanding service to St John in recognition of achievement, notable or selfless service or inspiration and encouragement to others.
"I was absolutely delighted to receive the letter informing me I had been appointed as an Officer of the Order of St John," said Mr Mapp, pictured top, who joined St John as a Cadet at the age of 15 and was appointed Chief Ambulance Officer three years ago.
"It is a very special honour. St John has been a big part of my life since I was a teenager and the organisation has given me so many great opportunities and experiences."
Pictured: The Order into which Mark Mapp has been admitted dates back to care provided in Jerusalem in the 11th century.
While a teenager, Mr Mapp took part in first aid competitions, such as Ambulance Aid in Jersey and the UK, before becoming a volunteer with the adult section of the Guernsey Ambulance Division of St John.
After studying at university in Portsmouth, he returned to Guernsey and joined the St John charity and the Volunteer Ambulance Reserves, a group which supports the emergency ambulance service at times of high demand and at major incidents.
He then joined the ambulance service and trained as a paramedic.
Andrew Henton, Knight Commander of St John Ambulance Guernsey, said: "I would like to congratulate Mark on his admission to the Order of St John. He has a long association with St John and had made a huge contribution to the charity over many years, as a volunteer and a previous Deputy Commissioner.
"This appointment recognises his commitment to the voluntary and community section as well as his ongoing work as Chief Ambulance Officer."
Pictured: Guernsey's Emergency Ambulance Service has seen a consistent increase in demand in recent years.
During his professional career, Mr Mapp worked on the Patient Transfer Service as an Emergency Medical Technician and member of the Cliff Rescue and Inshore Rescue Boat team before qualifying as a paramedic and later a trainer.
He also had a brief spell working for the National Health Service in the UK as well as nine years working in various roles for services overseen by the States' Committee for Health & Social Care.
Mr Mapp is a member of the St John Guernsey Executive Committee and sits on the boards of the St John charity and St John Commercial Services.
He maintains his paramedic skills and still responds to medical emergencies as a clinician as well as volunteering as a Community First Responder with St John.
Mr Mapp has also held many roles within the St John charity, including as Senior Volunteer Officer and Deputy Commissioner of the voluntary section.
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