Sally, the Service’s Group Manager and Head of Protection, was a trailblazer even before she joined SFRS. In 1999, she 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.
She was also a founding member of Suffolk Women in Fire Together (SWIFT) which is a network open to all members of SFRS who are interested in supporting their female colleagues. Sally was also the Service’s women’s representative for the Fire Brigade Union.
In 2022, Sally became one of only five firefighting personnel in England and Wales to have been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service in the New Year’s Honours – an achievement she regards as her proudest moment.
Reflecting on her career, Sally said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the fire and rescue service and feel honoured to have served the people of Suffolk. I will be leaving with my head held high, knowing I’ve achieved what I set out to in my 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.
“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.”
In addition to her role as a firefighter, Sally regularly plays the saxophone as a member of the Ipswich Hospital Band to raise money for numerous health-related charities and has been instrumental in a range of fundraising efforts throughout her career with SFRS.
Commenting on her contribution to SFRS, Chief Fire Officer, Jon Lacey, said:
“Sally is a highly respected and extremely capable firefighter with a real passion for the job and a steadfast dedication towards the wellbeing of others, which is not only reflected in her career choice but in her many fundraising endeavours.
“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.”
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, added:
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Sally as she retires. She has proactively supported women in the Service and in doing so, has unwittingly become a role model for many younger females within SFRS.
“I wish her many years of happiness following an exemplary and inspiring career.”
Sally will be taking the whole of the summer off to spend quality time with her family. In the future, she hopes to work in a supportive role with underrepresented groups in the community - preferably in the workplace, so she can make use of the skills and experience she has gained throughout her career with SFRS.
