Women in the Fire Service Awards 2025
We recently hosted our 2025 Women in the Fire Service Awards at the Fire Service College!
Click the button below to find out the winners, runners-up and nominees of our 2025 WFS Awards:
Our awards recognise and honour the hard work and valuable contributions made by individuals in the UK Fire and Rescue sector.
The awards ceremony took place in June during our Training and Development Event and was by invitation only.
Award categories:
Dany Cotton Inspiring Leader sponsored by Dräger
This award is designed to honour remarkable women leaders who champion equality and diversity. They deliver real change, inspiring the fire service community whilst bringing out the best in their colleagues.
Firefighter Rising Star sponsored by Ruth Lee
To recognise and celebrate the contribution of a woman in a firefighter role who has showcased unwavering commitment to excel in their duties and has actively advocated for gender equality and empowerment.
Outstanding Team sponsored by National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
An award to recognise outstanding teamwork within the fire service, highlighting the importance of collective work. With a minimum of 2 people, the team will have demonstrated exceptional collaborations, unity and excellence in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and communities.
Bright Light sponsored by the Emergency Services Times (EST)
To celebrate a woman who has made a significant impact in furthering the objectives and ethos of WFS. This woman will have paved the way for other women within the sector serving as an inspiration to others. This may be through recruitment, retention or advancement of women fostering, development opportunities and unwavering support.
Youth Inspiration sponsored by Delta Fire
To honour a young individual aged between 11 to 24 yrs old, who has exemplified exceptional role modelling and embodies the ethos “if you can see it, you can be it.” They will actively engage in and spark conversations, discussion and initiatives that positively promote equality and diversity.
Exceptional Allies sponsored by The Institution of Fire Engineers
Recognising an individual who has gone above and beyond in advancing gender equality and equity within their organisation or the fire sector. This individual will have supported women to reach their highest potential.
Online Creator sponsored by PBI Products
To acknowledge a woman who has used digital platforms to support, inspire and positively influence others. Whether through sharing personal experiences, building supportive online communities or promoting career opportunities. This award spotlights a woman who breaks barriers, ignites enthusiasm and encourages diversity through a social media presence. (Please note if you aren’t aware of their email address don’t worry! Just include their social media handle and platform in the award criteria section and enter your email in the nominees email box.)
Advocate of Excellence sponsored by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
This award recognises and celebrates the contribution of a Local or Regional WFS representative. This individual will embody the ethos of WFS and be instrumental in advancing our mission and contributing to the development of a more progressive fire and rescue service, with an unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to driving positive change within their local or regional settings.
Let’s introduce you to our Women in the Fire Service Awards 2025 sponsors!
Our headline sponsor… MSA Safety!
Established in 1914, MSA Safety is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and supply of safety products. MSA Safety’s resources and technical expertise are dedicated to designing products that are versatile in their applications, comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to use and maintain. The company’s comprehensive product line is used by workers worldwide in a broad range of markets, including the fire service, the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry, the construction industry, mining, and the military. MSA’s core products for first responders include self-contained breathing apparatus, fire and rescue helmets, fire protective clothing, portable gas detection instruments, and more. MSA’s latest innovations for the fire and rescue service: – MSA Bristol Firefighter Protective Clothing: With decades of experience providing protective clothing, the MSA Bristol Fire Protective Clothing line is manufactured with the latest high-quality fabric combinations from leading fibre and fabric manufacturers. Designed to enhance freedom of movement and reduce heat stress, the MSA Bristol range of Structural, Wildland, and Technical Rescue garments offers comfort to maximise performance when it matters most. – Connected Firefighter Suite, including the M1 SCBA: Firefighting is an inherently dangerous environment, and maintaining constant communication and awareness is a key element in firefighter safety. Firefighters want to be connected: to each other and to their officers on- and off-site. The MSA Connected Firefighter Platform ecosystem of products works together to help keep you safe, connected, and accounted for – even in the most dangerous situations. When deployed, you create a network of safety on-scene, off-scene, and post-scene. – Head Protection for Fire and Rescue, including the GALLET F1XF and F2XR: Developed with firefighters from around the globe, the iconic GALLET F1XF helmet set the standard for structural firefighting helmets. The configurable design makes the F1XF fire helmet an optimal fit for various interventions, such as structural and outdoor fires, technical rescue operations and road traffic accidents. The GALLET F2XR Rescue Helmet is tested and certified according to the highest applicable standards for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, urban search and rescue, climbing and water rescue. This innovative helmet demonstrates that it is possible to engineer integrated, adaptable and versatile equipment suitable to respond to various applications and needs – be it for professional or volunteer firefighters. To learn more, speak to the MSA team, or visit: gb.msasafety.com/products/first-responder
Dräger
Dräger is a leading international company in the fields of medical and safety technology. Founded in Lübeck in 1889, Dräger has grown into a worldwide, DAX-listed enterprise in its fifth generation as a family-run business. “Technology for Life” is our guiding principle. Wherever they are deployed – in clinical settings, industry, mining or emergency services – Dräger products protect, support and save lives. For almost 100 years, firefighters all around the world have trusted Dräger to provide reliable equipment, services, and training that are fit for purpose and based on real-world experience. We are proud of our heritage and the family values which still drive our culture today as they did 131 years ago when the business was founded. Never resting on our laurels, we are constantly striving to improve in every area by doing the right thing. Our business is founded on the partnerships we forge. Our UK based design team works closely with our customers as we strive to keep your people safe in every aspect of their role. Without working so closely with our customer base we wouldn’t be able to do this. Dräger is commitment to equality of opportunity, improved representation of women in the industry and how Dräger is designing equipment fit to meet the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce in the fire service. With our UK focus, coupled with our unique partnerships focused solely on safety and a commitment to always doing the right thing, we believe that is the Dräger difference.
Ruth Lee
Ruth Lee Ltd is a global leader in manufacturing training manikins designed for rescue and safety professionals. With over 30 years of experience collaborating with emergency services, military, and healthcare experts, we specialise in crafting durable, high-quality manikins for diverse training scenarios. Our range includes models tailored for specific applications, such as working at height, water rescue, technical rescue, bariatric evacuation, and firehouse training. From a 5kg baby to a 260kg adult, our manikins offer unparalleled realism to enhance your team’s preparedness. Trusted by rescue professionals and volunteer teams worldwide, Ruth Lee is committed to innovation and excellence. Our products empower teams to conduct realistic and effective training, ensuring they are ready for the challenges they face. We are proud to sponsor the Women in the Fire Service 2025 Awards, celebrating excellence and dedication within the fire service community.
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. We support fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. We are a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.
Emergency Services Times (EST)
Emergency Services Times is a vital information resource for the blue light sector, providing the latest news, industry perspectives, and valuable insights for almost 25 years. The team’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the emergency services sector and closely following the latest developments has given the magazine an unmatched level of expertise and readership reach.
We work alongside the entire blue light community and partners with leading suppliers and equipment providers, and as such has established itself as the essential media source for the emergency services. Working alongside The Emergency Services Show and The Emergency Tech Show, we are with you every day of the year.
Delta Fire
Delta Fire Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of high-performance firefighting equipment serving emergency services, industrial sectors, and marine industries worldwide. Established with a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Delta Fire has become a trusted name in the firefighting sector, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance safety and operational efficiency. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Norwich, Delta Fire designs and produces a wide range of firefighting products, including fire nozzles, foam equipment, hydrant valves, and industrial hose reels. The company works closely with Fire & Rescue Services, defence organisations, and commercial clients to provide bespoke solutions tailored to the most demanding fire protection needs. Sustainability is at the heart of Delta Fire’s operations. The company has achieved ISO 14001 certification and has successfully achieved net-zero emissions across scopes 1 and 2, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility within the industry. Delta Fire continuously invests in research and development, ensuring its products meet the highest standards while integrating sustainable materials and processes. Delta Fire is dedicated to customer service, technical excellence, and industry leadership. Its reputation for reliability and an unwavering focus on innovation and green manufacturing makes Delta Fire a preferred partner for organisations prioritising safety and sustainability. As the company grows, it remains committed to delivering world-class firefighting solutions that protect people, property, and the planet.
The Institution of Fire Engineers
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a global professional membership body for those in the fire sector that seek to increase their knowledge, professional recognition and understanding of fire through a global discourse. With over 100 years of history, the IFE is instrumental in shaping a future world that is safer from fire. Through its ceaseless betterment and sharing of knowledge, it has led the way in enabling fire professions to become rigorously assessed through a well-established and dynamic system of internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. The IFE delivers more than 6,000 exams annually. Managed for fire professionals by fire professionals, the IFE aims to promote, encourage and improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering, acting as a beacon of established expertise and guiding the way to a fire safe future. For further information about the IFE please visit our website, www.ife.org.uk.
PBI Products
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service: We provide services from 14 fire stations and have a Fire Control mobilising centre at our headquarters site at Kempston which also hosts our training centre and technical services hub. We operate a range of duty systems to ensure we have the right number of firefighters available at the right time and place to respond to emergencies. We work to PREVENT fires and other emergencies from occurring. Our firefighters and other frontline staff undertake home fire safety visits each year, carry out safety talks in schools, and work with partners to inform our communities about fire and road safety. We work to PROTECT people when emergencies do happen. Our firefighters and fire safety officers undertake inspections of workplaces, engaging with and educating owners and occupiers, taking enforcement action where necessary. We RESPOND to emergencies including fires, road traffic collisions, air and rail crashes, water rescues and flooding, hazardous chemical incidents, and many other types of emergencies. Our firefighters regularly train, maintain and test equipment to ensure they always remain operationally ready to respond to emergencies. We also work closely with our partners such as Bedfordshire Police, the East of England Ambulance Service, local councils and our neighbouring fire and rescue services to make sure we can respond effectively and competently to any emergency We are a Values led organisation. Our Values are the qualities that we believe are the most important to us, and describe the expectations the public have of us, and that we have of each other. Our values have been developed with our staff and our communities.
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