North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Named Exceptional Ally

Joint Press Release (Women in the Fire Service UK & North Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

Amy Croxton-Evans, a Station Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been named runner-up of the ‘Exceptional Allies Award’ in the Women in the Fire Service Awards 2022.

Amy was nominated in the national awards for remarkable contributions to the Fire Service. The ‘Exceptional Allies Award’ category recognises individuals who have gone the extra mile to promote gender equality in their organisation or made a tangible contribution in supporting colleagues to be the best they can be.

About Amy

Station Manager Amy, was described as “an ultimate role model” and “leader” who steps forward and challenges bias face on, without fear and with integrity. Through projects, initiatives, public speaking, television and education Amy has spent the last 10 years dedicating herself to being that leader. This includes helping create education packages for schools; empowerment days for teenage girls; a safe space group for Service members; coaching and mentoring; a mental health and well-being fund to support all service members; podcasts to inspire future firefighters; and tv appearances inspiring children with the message ‘you can be whatever you want to be, don’t be your own barrier’.

Dawn Docx, Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: 

“We are incredibly proud that Amy’s commitment to inspiring and empowering others has been recognised in this way.

“Amy is passionate about promoting gender equality, and works tirelessly to create and lead on projects and initiatives which resonate with both our staff and members of our communities.

“Her vision and encouragement has supported and inspired numerous colleagues within our fire family, and helped empower countless future firefighters.

“Well done and congratulations Amy!”

Speaking on the notification of her award, Amy said:

“I’m honoured to have been recognised for the ongoing work and effort that I do for Women in the Fire Service, however I hope that I can be the inspiration and pillar of strength to other women, like the amazing women before me.”

About Women in the Fire Service

Women in the Fire Service UK is a not-for-profit organisation who work in partnership with its corporate members to advance equality in the sector.

Award panel judge and WFS Chair, Jules King, said:

“Amy has gone the extra mile to promote gender equality in her service and to be an exceptional ally. Not only has she made a huge contribution in supporting and empowering colleagues but has acted as an outstanding role model to young people, helping pave the way for the next generation of firefighters.”

Category sponsors of the Exceptional Allies Award were the National Fire Chief's Council & Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s End Point Assessment Partnership.

Winners and runners-up receive prizes, as well as an invitation to attend a special award ceremony in June.

Notes to the Editor

There were a total of sixty nominations across five categories from twenty-five Fire Services.

• 8 nominations in the Young Person Role Model Award
• 18 nominations in the Bright Light Award
• 9 nominations in the Firefighter Rising Star Award
• 17 nominations in the Dany Cotton Inspiring Leader Award
• 8 nominations in the Exceptional Allies Award
  

Award Sponsors:

1. Cold Cut Systems Ltd - Young Person Role Model Award
2. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service - Dany Cotton Inspiring Leader Award
3. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service - Firefighter Rising Star Award
4. Serve and Protect Credit Union - Bright Light Award
5. Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service and the National Fire Chiefs Council End Point Assessment Partnership - Exceptional Allies Award

The Women in the Fire Service Awards opened to entries in November 2021 and closed on 15th March 2022. The Award Ceremony takes place at The Fire Service College on Friday 10th June 2022.

#WFSAwards22

About Women in the Fire Service UK

Women in the Fire Service UK is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation which exists to advance equality, addressing gender imbalance in the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS). Women are vastly underrepresented in firefighting. Government figures (2021) show just 7.5% of firefighters in England are women.

For more information about Women in the Fire Service, visit: https://www.wfs.org.uk

For more information about North Wales Fire and Rescue Service visit: https://www.northwalesfire.gov.wales/