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It was with great pride and humility that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service accepted the UK Fire and Rescue Service of the Year 2025 at the recent iESE, Transformation in Public Services Awards in London. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone who is part of our service.
Each and every colleague plays a crucial role in making this achievement possible, and I could not be more proud of the work we do to serve our communities.
The award acknowledges our commitment to continuous innovation, transformation, and a focus on public safety. Being recognised for these qualities is a testament to the quality of service we provide. It reinforces everything we stand for as a fire and rescue service: protecting the people of Tyne and Wear through expertise, compassion, and efficiency. A vision that I set out almost a year and a half ago when I started my tenure as Chief Fire Officer.
Operational response
One of the areas where we excel on a national basis is operational response – as the UK’s fastest-responding service to dwelling fires, with an average response time of just 5 minutes and 58 seconds.
Our ability to achieve this level of performance is not just down to our equipment, procedures or geography. It is the result of the tireless dedication of our firefighters and control room teams, the ongoing training we provide, and the investment we make in resources to ensure we can provide the best possible service.
A focus on prevention
Last year we reached several significant milestones that showcase our commitment to safety, innovation, and community engagement. We focused our efforts on the most vulnerable members of our society, with 71% of our Safe and Well checks directed at high-risk individuals. These checks are vital in providing targeted protection for those who need it most.
We also educated over 12,000 schoolchildren across the region on fire prevention, helping to equip the next generation with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
In addition, we were honoured to win the Excellence in Contaminants and Decontaminants Award at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards – recognition of our efforts to protect both our staff and the public from the dangers of contaminants at emergency scenes.
Training and investing in people
We are also proud to have over 80 active apprenticeships within the service, nurturing the next generation of fire and rescue professionals. We have embraced cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality for fire safety training, enabling our teams to experience high-risk situations in a safe and controlled environment.
This past year, we led several pioneering projects that set new benchmarks for emergency response and public service. One of the most significant projects has been the award-winning Hebburn Tri-Station, the UK’s first carbon-neutral tri-station, where police, fire, and ambulance services work under one roof. This is just one example of how we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in public service delivery, not only improving efficiency but also making a positive impact on the environment.
Taking a partnership approach
These are just some of the milestones and innovations that have made Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service a recognised figurehead in the fire and rescue sector, but we also have to acknowledge the invaluable role of our community. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to not only respond to emergencies but to prevent them wherever possible. We are working closely with our partners, delivering education in schools, and targeting resources where they are needed most.
The recognition we have received is not about the accolades; it is about the people we serve and the difference we make in their lives every single day. It is about the courage, compassion, and professionalism of every member of staff and colleagues, who consistently go above and beyond to keep our communities safe.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the trust and support of the Fire Authority. Its belief in our work and their investment in our people and resources is critical to the success we have achieved under our Chair, Cllr Phil Tye. The Fire Authority’s ongoing commitment ensures that we have the tools we need to carry out our work to the highest standard.
Being named UK Fire and Rescue Service of the Year is a momentous achievement, but it is just the beginning. We will continue to strive for excellence, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
Read more – Firefighters set to welcome police and ambulance colleagues into UK’s first carbon-neutral Tri-Station.
