Suffolk’s first ever female full-time firefighter prepares to retire after 30 years

Suffolk’s first ever female full-time firefighter is preparing to retire after 30 years in service.

Sally Hammond will be leaving her role as the group manager and head of protection at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) tomorrow.

She has been described as a ‘highly respected’ and ‘extremely capable’ firefighter, with a real passion for the job and a steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of others.

Jon Lacey, chief fire officer, said she will be greatly missed.

“We wish her every happiness as she enters retirement, although knowing Sally, I’m very doubtful it will involved much down time,” he added.

Sally, from Ipswich, will be taking the whole summer off to spend time with her family.

In the future, she hopes to work in a supportive role with underrepresented groups – preferably in the workplace.

She said she has thoroughly enjoyed working for the fire service and feels 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,” she said.

Even before stepping into her role as a firefighter, Sally received the Godiva award for the top UK candidate in the graduates’ examination - the first woman in the Institution of Fire Engineer’s history to do so.

She was 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.

Apart from 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.

Sally added: “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.”