Several changes will be made to the leadership team at St John Ambulance Isle of Man following the retirement of Steve Sieling from the top position as Knight Commander.

The changes to the island Commandery will take effect from June 24, St John Day.

They include the appointment of chief officer John Gill as Knight Commander and director of governance Martin Benson as chief officer.

Mr Sieling said: ’I moved to the Isle of Man in 1992 and I’ve never looked back.

’Following nine years as an ambulance crew trainer in Bedford, I jumped at the opportunity to join the Isle of Man Ambulance Service as the island’s first paramedic.

’During that time, I became more closely involved with SJA, helping to develop and train their volunteers, which saw the birth of the island’s Community First Responders (CFR) Service, which I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in.’

Mr Sieling said he would still be very much involved with the charity and was looking forward to being an active CFR, as well as providing crucial ambulance training for its front-line teams.

Successor John Gill, chief officer and a CFR in the south of the island, said: ’I’m honoured to have been appointed as Knight Commander for the Isle of Man.

’Steve is an exceptional role model and I look forward to continuing to build on the relationship between SJA and the Isle of Man Ambulance Service, whilst also providing the important link between SJA IoM and the Priory of the Order of St John.’

Mr Gill was originally recruited as director of training and marketing in 2010 and is a St John Ambulance emergency medical technician and CFR.

He was admitted to the Order of St John in 2015.

He will be succeeded by Port Erin resident Martin Benson, former senior air traffic controller at Ronaldsway.

A member of SJA since he was a teenager, Mr Benson’s current role is director of governance.

As chairman of the Rushen Emergency Ambulance and coordinator for the Rushen Community Responders he was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list for his work within the community.

Lynda Osbourne, Commandery executive officer at SJA Isle of Man, said: ’Each year on June 24, coinciding with St John Day, we recognise and celebrate all of our members, their length of service and new appointments.

’Ordinarily, senior members would be invited to London for a prestigious ceremony, in addition to local celebrations held at St George’s Church in Douglas.

’Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this won’t be possible.

’However, we hope to hold a local ceremony as soon as we are able to do so.

’On behalf of SJA, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Steve for his incredible contributions to date and to congratulate John and Martin on their new appointments.’