In a momentous achievement, Women in the Fire Service (WFS) proudly won the esteemed “Team of the Year” title at the 9th Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards. Not only this, but WFS received a nomination for “Training Provider of the Year”. This recognition was a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of the entire WFS community.
The awards ceremony, held on 1st December at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, served as the prefect setting to honour excellence within the fire and emergency services sector. WFS, represented across various categories, showcased the breadth of its impact. Regional Representative Caz Whiteman (South Yorkshire FRS) was nominated for Most Influential LGBTQ+ Individual, while Local Representative Jo Dawson (Nottinghamshire FRS) was a nominee for Most Influential Woman of the Year.
The celebration continued as WFS proudly sponsored the Youth Champion Award, which was awarded to Coral Jobson from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
One of WFS’s Directors, Kath Billing (Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall FRS), received the esteemed title of Most influential Woman of the Year, which we are incredibly proud of. She is a inspirational role model for young women and a perfect example of ‘if you can see it, you can be it’
The awards ceremony was attended by WFS staff and representatives, who were ecstatic to hear the announcement of their win. The occasion was summed up by Administration Manager Karen Smith, who celebrated her 20 year anniversary working for WFS this year. Karen expressed how honoured she felt attending the awards and characterised the day as a wonderful celebration. She said, “I didn’t expect us to win, especially in such a tough category. We are collecting this award on behalf of everyone involved in WFS across the country – we couldn’t do it without your support.”
The recognition at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards not only highlights WFS’s achievements but also serves as an inspiration for continued dedication to promoting diversity, excellence, and empowerment within the fire service community. As WFS continues to make strides in its mission, this accolade stands as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to fostering positive change.