London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Dany Cotton, the UK’s most senior woman fire officer, beat off stiff competition to be awarded the ‘Women in Public Service’ Award at the recent First Women Awards, which recognise senior level businesswomen and professionals.
Dany, who has worked for London Fire Brigade for 26 years, is Assistant Commissioner for Operational Assurance. A proactive advocate for women in the fire and rescue service, Dany regularly speaks publicly to inspire women to consider a career in the fire service.
Dany said, “When I first joined the brigade in 1988 several of my male colleagues made it very clear they didn’t want to work with a woman and I felt I had to work twice as hard to succeed.
“Fortunately, attitudes have changed a lot since then, but there is still a perception out there that women can’t be firefighters. I’m thrilled to have won this award, and hope it goes some way towards showing women what they can achieve in the fire service.”
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said, “As well as being one of the finest fire officers in the country, Dany is a fantastic role model to all women firefighters, as well as to any women considering the fire service as a career.
“I am extremely pleased that Dany has been named as the top ‘Woman in Public Service,’ it is a fantastic achievement and I am proud that she continues to inspire all firefighters, both men and women alike.”
