Past Winners and Runners-up

At first when I had the email saying I had been nominated for the award I thought ‘oh wow how nice of someone to take their time to do that’ but with 70 other people I didn’t think I would be the one to win it.

All these people do amazing things and probably don’t think they are doing anything out of the ordinary. They go about their day helping people and it’s just what they do. You just get on with things and if someone asks for something or you see someone that needs something you help them, you see something that needs doing, you just do it.

To see why I was nominated was really nice to read and to be honest a bit strange.

I am grateful for the nomination, and everyone involved in the process, and I am very overwhelmed by it all and a little in shock.

It means a lot to see my Station Commander noticing his staff and taking time to do this and I’m proud to be a firefighter.

I’m very honoured to receive this award. It’s incredibly encouraging to know that my efforts to improve equality for women in the fire service are not only being recognised but also heard. This acknowledgment strengthens my commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact in the field, while remaining mindful of the work that still lies ahead. I’m very grateful for the support of my colleagues whose guidance has been invaluable

Trying new things to engage with our communities is paramount to the approach here at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and so to receive this award means everything to us. It validates the approach of teamwork and putting in the work to get the results we hope for. After 2 years of learning British Sign Language, successful partnerships with the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, BSL focussed safety events and open days and a more authentic connection with the Deaf community of Derby this award is a message. A message that says it is worthwhile, it is important and it has been a success for all involved – Thank you!

Receiving this award has made me so proud of all I have achieved within West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

As a trainee firefighter joining the service in January 1994 to now a Station Manager over 30 years later. I would like to thank all the amazing women I work with who have always believed in me, shared my vision and joined me on my journey through the highs and lows. I would like you all to remember you inspire me every day to be the best version of myself.

Winning this award is a representation of the recognition of the efforts of mine throughout my cadet journey. It also shows how dedication support and commitment truly make a difference. Joining cadets was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and this award makes me believe this further and I truly feel a part of the community, and I am so grateful for it.

Social media was never part of my original plan—I simply started sharing my journey in the hopes that it might resonate with someone whilst sharing insight into the role. To see it grow into something that inspires, informs, and supports others in the fire service, other blue light workers and beyond is humbling, at times overwhelming and deeply rewarding. From the growth of the page, I have been fortunate to launch The Blue Light Health Club to help other First Responders prioritise their health, something I am truly so proud of and have every faith for it to be a success. Thank you to those that choose to follow, without your support I wouldn’t be in this position and of course, thank you so much WFS for this recognition, I’m so grateful to be part of a community that uplifts and empowers one another.

I have been very privileged to keep being invited back to represent and support WFS over the years and truly humbled that people have even taken the time to nominate me for an award, let alone win one. WFS is a special place to be where everyone, including myself, can be free from judgement or pressure to get themselves heard and excel at just being the best you. I would like to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who nominated and voted for me.

I was really surprised and humbled to just be nominated for this award, so to find out that I have won was unbelievable. The work and mission of WFS has given so much to me personally – if I am able to ensure that other female colleagues can continue to be inspired the way that I have been, that will be the biggest reward for me. Thanks to those who nominated me and a massive thank you to my friends, family and colleagues who continue to support me in doing my bit to progress the good work of the wider WFS family. All we do as WFS is a team effort, so this award is a recognition of all of us

I am truly humbled and honoured to jointly receive this award, which recognises the hard work and commitment of those who are dedicated to advancing our mission within the fire and rescue service. While this recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, I know that it is far from an individual achievement. It reflects the collective effort and passion of the outstanding teams I am fortunate to work alongside in both National & Regional settings. I am proud to be part of these teams, and I look forward to continuing our journey towards making a lasting difference.