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Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “It was an honour to see our people being nominated for eight award categories and our service winning two. We’re incredibly proud of the work being done by our colleagues, as well as our partners in the emergency services as we focus on making Essex safer together.
“Colette Black, our Director of People Services won the Most Influential Woman in Fire award. Colette has been a driving force behind our work to improve workplace culture, diversity, and inclusion, making a lasting impact on both our service and the wider emergency services sector.
“Our second award was for the Emergency Services Collaboration of the Year for our Community Wellbeing Officer Project. Launched a year ago this is an innovative collaboration between the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), and fire services in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire as well as ourselves. Designed to improve ambulance response times while also supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, the Community Wellbeing Officers work alongside ambulance crews. They are really making a difference and saving lives.
“Winning these awards is a true reflection of the exceptional dedication our people show to their work and the communities we serve.”
“Well done to every single member of the Tyne and Wear FRS family for everything you do to support communities and importantly each other. I am delighted that in these two awards your efforts and dedication have been recognised. Everyday I see examples of how this Service continues to improve and it’s through the work of you all that we will continue to make a difference. There can be no greater mission than keeping people safe and we will continue to work to achieve this for us and the communities we all serve. We do not need an award for me to see the value the Service adds to communities or the great work you do but to have others recognise your efforts is a lovely thing. I feel very privileged to be your Chief and colleague, well done” – Chief Fire Officer, Peter Heath, Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service
“Attending the awards and seeing Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service receive such recognition was a truly proud moment for all of us. These awards reflect the extraordinary teamwork, passion, and dedication of our people – traits that are at the heart of everything we do. We are determined to continue setting new standards, ensuring that we make a real and lasting difference to the lives of those we serve.” – Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Lynsey McVay – Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service
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“Receiving the ‘most influential women in fire’ award is an incredible honour and one which I have felt humbled by. Throughout my career I have been supported by and inspired by leaders and colleagues who have given me support and a platform to progress. There’s still work to do to ensure that everyone in the Fire and Rescue Service has the opportunity to thrive. My hope is that awards and recognition like this inspires other women in fire to step forward, pursue leadership, and trust in their abilities. Together, we can overcome barriers, support one another, and make the fire service a place where we all thrive and lead to best serve our communities”.
“Receiving the ‘most influential women in fire’ award is an incredible honour and one which I have felt humbled by. Throughout my career I have been supported by and inspired by leaders and colleagues who have given me support and a platform to progress. There’s still work to do to ensure that everyone in the Fire and Rescue Service has the opportunity to thrive. My hope is that awards and recognition like this inspires other women in fire to step forward, pursue leadership, and trust in their abilities. Together, we can overcome barriers, support one another, and make the fire service a place where we all thrive and lead to best serve our communities”.
