Fire crew manager Katie so near top of the pole
A SWANSEA Valley fire service manager has been named one of the rising stars of the emergency service.
Katie Bluck, crew manager at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS), has been named runner-up for the Firefighter Rising Star award in the Women in the Fire Service Awards 2022.
Katie, who joined the service in 2017 as an on-call firefighter at Lampeter Station and is now a fulltime firefighter at Pontardawe Fire Station, was nominated in the national awards for her remarkable contribution to the fire service.
The Firefighter Rising Star Award category recognises individuals who have demonstrated a determination to succeed in their role and have been an advocate and ambassador on gender equality and empowerment issues.
Gemma Hodges, Katie’s colleague and nominator, described Katie as a dedicated member of the fire service who had completed a course with Gower College to be a mental health practitioner to support her colleagues.
Katie is a qualified frontline coach and mentor through the University of South Wales, which helps the firefighters that she leads at Pontardawe.
Katie has also been involved in female awareness sessions and webinars to raise consideration for the service.
Gemma told judges how Katie had shared her experiences as a firefighter and the progression opportunities available with University of South Wales public service students prior to their graduation.
The award submission detailed how Katie had brought a positive outlook to the service and the role, and how she truly embodied the mantra: “If it scares you, excites you and makes you grow, then the likelihood is that it is going to be an adventure.”
Katie said: “I am delighted to have been nominated for the WFS Firefighter Rising Star Award, and I feel very grateful to have received runner-up in the category. Thank you for recognising my achievements so far on my journey within the fire and rescue service. I would like to personally extend this recognition to the supportive and progressive colleagues I am surrounded by who enable me to continue to pursue my aspirations.”
Roger Thomas, chief fire officer at MWWFRS, said: “We are extremely proud of Katie. In her short career she has already demonstrated that she is a confident and highly skilled firefighter, as well being a very positive influence and a great role model. Receiving this award is a wonderful achievement, and a great recognition of Katie’s commitment to our service and the communities we serve.”
Panel judge and WFS vice-chair Caroline Anderson said: “Katie’s dedication to promoting the fire service as a career for women, supporting the mental health of her colleagues and her strong positive outlook and attitude is why she was nominated for the Rising Star Award. And deservedly so.”
Winners and runners-up receive prizes, as well as an invitation to attend a special award ceremony in June.