A WINSFORD firefighter who has been with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for the past 15 years has won an award for promoting gender equality.

Hannah Caulfield, a station manager, has been named ‘Exceptional Allies Award’ winner in the Women in the Fire Service (WFS) Awards 2022.

Hannah, who became a firefighter at Winsford Fire Station in 2007, was nominated twice in the national awards for remarkable contributions to the fire service.

The ‘Exceptional Allies’ category recognises individuals promoting gender equality and supporting colleagues to be the best they can be.

Firefighter Abi van Loon, Hannah’s colleague and nominator, described her as being a huge help.

Abi stated how hard Hannah worked to make new staff feel supported, but also to put processes in place to improve the job for female firefighters.

Maternity, menopause and welfare facilities were just a few of the things Hannah had made huge changes to for staff.

Hannah set up WhatsApp groups to provide support for staff on maternity leave and arranged regular meetups.

Abi said Hannah was passionate about gender equality and had made many positive changes in the service.

Alex Waller, deputy chief fire officer at Cheshire Fire Service said: “Hannah demonstrates exceptional qualities in her ability to recognise and support our staff networks.

“The commitment she has shown, and continues to show, in support of gender equality and women’s issues is inspirational and she is a true role model within the service for both women and men.

“We are extremely proud that Hannah has been named the WFS Exceptional Ally, it is very well deserved.”

Speaking on the notification of her award, Hannah said: “I was very surprised to hear I had won this award but am incredibly humbled that I was nominated for two categories.

“It is a great honour to have been recognised by WFS; there is fantastic support for all staff within Cheshire, with the core belief being that if people can completely be themselves at work, it enables us all to reach our full potential.”