Firefighter Ho Wai-ho has been posthumously awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold) in Hong Kong’s 2026 Honours List for his actions during the deadly Tai Po fire last November.
The award recognises Ho’s efforts as one of the first rescuers at the scene. He continued rescue work despite extreme heat and a fierce blaze that claimed 168 lives and displaced around 5,000 residents.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted Ho’s conduct. “In the course of performing his duty, notwithstanding the extreme heat and fierce blaze, he continued his rescue work and risked his life to save others,” Lee said.
Economist Lawrence Lau Juen-yee was among three recipients of the Grand Bauhinia Medal. Fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin and cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing were also named in the list of 466 individuals for their results at last year’s National Games.
The honours were announced on Wednesday.