Suffolk fire officer receives royal recognition

Sally Hammond, a group manager with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, has been honoured for her incredible dedication to protecting Suffolk residents.
Published: 05 Jan 2022
Sally Hammond
She is one of just five fire personnel across England and Wales to be awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM) for Distinguished Service in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.

During her 27 years with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Sally has taken on a variety of roles from Firefighter to Prevention and Protection Manager. She was the first fulltime woman firefighter in SFRS and the first woman in the Institution of Fire Engineers history to receive the Godiva award for the top UK candidate in their Graduates exam in 1999.

In addition, Sally proactively supports women in the service, as a founding member of Suffolk Women in Fire Together (SWIFT) and Women’s Representative for the Fire Brigade Union.

She said she was extremely proud and honoured to have been recognised by Her Majesty by receiving the QFSM.Commenting that like my colleagues I work hard and take great pride in the Service we provide to the people of Suffolk. I have been inspired and supported by so many men and women in the SFRS community and Suffolk County Council, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the years.

Sally has also been instrumental in SFRS’s charity fundraising efforts, having been part of the Longest Ride’s support team, as well as leading a SFRS Great East team and participating in the Great East Swim numerous times to raise funds Suffolk MIND.

This is a cause close to Sally’s heart, with her charity work focused on removing the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, especially within the emergency services community.

Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection and Communities said:

I am delighted that Sally has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Fire Service Medal in recognition of her long-standing service, invaluable work within the community and ongoing charity fundraising efforts.This is a tremendous accolade and well-deserved for someone whose continued selflessness and dedication has resulted in her being a fantastic ambassador for both the Fire Service and Suffolk.

Jon Lacey, Chief Officer of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service commented:

Sally is a much-loved and respected member of the team, who’s made a real difference to the safety of our communities since joining Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service almost three decades ago.Not only has she had a great impact on communities, but also on staff within the Service. I’m extremely proud of all Sally achieves by representing and empowering women across our organisation.

Outside of work, Sally is a wife, mum, and member of Ipswich Hospital Band, which continues to fundraise for numerous health-related charities.