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Women in the Fire Service (WFS) has announced the winners of The Women in the Fire Service Awards 2024.
These awards recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals within the fire and rescue sector, highlighting their dedication, leadership and impact. Emergency Services Times is proud to support Women in the Fire Service UK again this year by sponsoring the Bright Light Award.
The winners are…
Advocate of Excellence Award sponsored by Hainsworth Protective Fabrics
Winner is Amy Croxton-Evans from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Since 2017 she has been WFS Local Rep and Regional Rep for Wales for the last year, and has been recognised for being instrumental in advancing the WFS mission and contributing to the development of a more progressive Fire and Rescue Service for women.
Bright Light Award sponsored by Emergency Services Times
Winner of the Bright Light Award is Georgina Ralph from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Recognised for her proactive approach, Georgina organised an alternative development weekend in response to the high demand for tickets to the 2023 WFS Training and Development Event. She worked tirelessly to secure a location, develop an interactive and dynamic agenda, and ensure that staff from all over the service had access to attend the event. This was all in addition to being a mum and working full time as a crew manager.
Dany Cotton Inspiring Leader Award sponsored by Dräger
Winner of the Dany Cotton Inspiring Leader Award is Dawn Whittaker KFSM, Chief Fire Officer at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to promoting equality and diversity within ESFRS and the UK Fire & Rescue Service makes her a worthy winner of this award. She actively advocates for the upliftment of other women and volunteers her time to support individuals across the sector, despite her demanding role within ESFRS.
Digital Trailblazer Award
Winner of the Digital Trailblazer Award is Siobhan Priest from London Fire Brigade, for her impactful use of social media to inspire, educate, and promote diversity within the fire service. Her ability to break barriers and empower individuals from all backgrounds through her online presence makes her a deserving recipient of the award. By sharing personal journeys and fostering supportive communities, Siobhan ignites enthusiasm and encourages others to explore and pursue careers in firefighting.
Exceptional Allies Award
Winner of the Exceptional Allies Award is Kevin Tedds from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. Kevin is recognised as a winner for his unwavering commitment to challenging gendered language and promoting inclusivity in the workplace and on social media. He actively supports women in their career advancement within the fire service, providing guidance and feedback to help them excel.
Firefighter Rising Star Award sponsored by Practice to Progress
Winner of the Firefighter Rising Star Award is Beth Barton from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Beth has many multifaceted roles, including Consultant Intensivist and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Resuscitation Clinical Lead, as well as being an On-call Firefighter for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Beth was asked on her initial training course why she wanted to join the Fire Service and responded “because someone told me I couldn’t”.
Following on from this, her determination to prove herself, has been a driving force throughout her career. Actively seeking opportunities for development, Beth has focused on building bridges within the training department, showcasing her commitment to growth and excellence. She has been a guiding light for gender equality in the Fire Service.
Fundraising Hero Award sponsored by PBI Performance Fabrics
Winner of the Fundraising Hero Award is Rachel Streeting from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. Over the past 25 years, she has raised over £75,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity, showcasing exceptional commitment and self-sacrifice. Serving as the Charity ambassador at WFRS for nearly 25 years, Rachel’s involvement in community events, such as Nuneaton and Stratford’s Open Days, demonstrates her unwavering desire to support the station and engage with the local community.
Outstanding Team Award sponsored by National Fire Chiefs Council
Winners of the Outstanding Team Award is Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe from Mid and West Wales Fire Service and Georgina Gilbert from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service known together as The Antarctic Fire Angels. The Antarctic Fire Angels have made history as the first emergency services team to traverse Antarctica, pioneering a new route covering 1230km.
Youth Inspiration Award sponsored by Institution of Fire Engineers
Winner of the Youth Inspiration Award is Lilia Gibrat from Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets. Lilia’s journey from Fire Cadet to Cadet Leader exemplifies her remarkable growth and dedication. Overcoming anxieties and low confidence, she excelled in drill yard skills, becoming a fire specialism Cadet. She became CFO Cadet between 2022-2023, where she actively advocated for young people’s voices, participating in discussions on important topics.
Congratulations to all the winners and runners up, you can read the full list of nominees here.
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