Service's first female firefighter retires

Sally Hammond is leaving Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service after 30 years in the job

Suffolk's first-ever full-time female firefighter has retired after 30 years in the service.

Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue's group manager and head of protection, said she was leaving with her "head held high".

In 2022 she was also only one of five firefighters in England and Wales to be awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service.

Suffolk's chief fire officer Jon Lacey described Ms Hammond as "highly respected" and an "extremely capable firefighter".

Ms Hammond said being awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service in the New Year's Honours was one of her proudest moments

Ms Hammond said she had "thoroughly enjoyed" working for the service and felt she had achieved what she set out to in her career.

"To the women already in the service, and those considering joining, my message is this - take the opportunities when they come; invest in your development, go for promotion, and trust in your ability to lead," she said.

"Having more women across all areas of the service, especially in middle and senior management, helps ensure our policies and procedures support fairness and equity across the workforce.

"This helps create a stronger, more inclusive organisation for everyone."

Ms Hammond was the first woman in the Institution of Fire Engineers' history to receive the Godiva award for the top UK candidate in the graduates' examination

Ms Hammond, a founding member of Suffolk Women in Fire Together - a network open to all members of the county's fire service interested in supporting their female colleagues - has also been the service's women's representative for the Fire Brigades Union.

Mr Lacey said the firefighter's "steadfast dedication" had been reflected not only in her career choices but her many fundraising endeavours as well.

"She will be greatly missed across the service, but we wish her every happiness as she enters retirement, although knowing Sally, I'm very doubtful it will involve much down time," he added.

Steve Wiles, the county council's Conservative cabinet member for public protection, extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Ms Hammond.

"She has proactively supported women in the service and, in doing so, has unwittingly become a role model for many younger females within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service," he added.