Stapleford Crew Manager wins National Award for being an Exceptional Ally

Stapleford Fire Station Crew Manager Kevin Tedds has been chosen as the winner of the Exceptional Allies Award, at the 2024 Women in the Fire Service (WFS) Awards.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is also proud to say that Watch Manager Jo Dawson finished as runner up for the Advocate of Excellence Award, and their Staff Women’s Network, and Stapleford Fire Station, were both nominated for the Outstanding Team Award.

Across the country, there were 106 individuals and teams nominated for WFS Awards, for nine award categories.

Kev’s nominators said “From the moment Teddsy and I met, he has been “on my team” fighting my corner both openly and behind the scenes to make me feel welcome, supported and valued… It’s thanks to Teddsy, that I don’t consider myself “a female firefighter” – I’m simply a firefighter and more importantly, a valued member of his team, and deeply proud to be”.

Another said, “Kev appreciates we still have a way to go for women in the fire service, and as such he actively educates himself on what can be done to improve.”

Kev said, “When I opened the letter from Women in the Fire Service telling me I had won an award, I had to read it a couple of times, in fact I contacted WFS and checked they had sent it to the right person. I’ve doubted myself a few times, as I don’t feel like I do anything out of the ordinary. I’ve always said that I want to leave the Service in a better place than I found it, and when my daughters turn 18 that they know firefighting is open to them and that they can have the same great time that I am having.

“It’s a real privilege for me to receive the award and I cannot wait to show my Mum! I still don’t know who nominated me, but reading some of their wording makes me blush. Apart from the bit where they said “ I have a ridiculous sense of humour”…. That’s a mistake.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Damien West, said “We are incredibly proud of Kev for this achievement. He is a credit to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and his determination, impact and commitment to the fire sector and our communities has rightfully been recognised.

“At Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, we are proud of our strong relationship with Women in the Fire Service, and we’d like to congratulate all other winners and nominees of the 2024 Awards.”