East Sussex fire officer awarded medal by the Queen for distinguished service

Jules King has received the Queen’s Fire Service Medal, which is awarded to members of the Fire Services for distinguished service.

Jules joined East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in 1994, originally being posted to Eastbourne Community Fire Station.

Following a succession of moves and promotions she was appointed as the Borough Commander for Hastings in 2006.

Since then Jules has worked as the lead Fire Investigation Officer for the Service, Command and Operational Manager leading our Service Training Centre before returning to Hastings as Group Manager for Hastings and Rother, a post she has held since May 2016.

She is now Acting Assistant Director for Safer Communities, making up part of the Senior Leadership Team at the Service.

Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Whittaker said: “I am thrilled to hear of Jules’ award, this comes just as she takes up temporary promotion to Assistant Director and also as she completes her course on the NFCC Executive Leadership Programme.

“Aside from her commitment to our Service, she is the Chair and a true ambassador for Women in the Fire Service and it’s fantastic that all of this has been recognised.

“She is also an exceptional leader who cares deeply about her colleagues, so on behalf of all ESFRS I am proud to convey our congratulations to Julie.

“We are all very proud of her.”

Jules has been involved in Women in the Fire Service (WFS) for the last 19 years and has recently had the pleasure to take on the role of Chair following on from Dany Cotton.

Jules began her journey with volunteer-led non-profit organisation, Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) nearly 20 years ago.

Originally set up as a self-help group by and for women, it tackled issues such as barriers to leadership roles, lack of facilities and bullying and

pornography in the workplace.

Jules attended the very first WFS training and development conference in 1996, just two years after joining East Sussex Fire and Rescue.

The organisation today is open to all genders and supported by over 40 corporate member UK Fire and Rescue Services.

Outstanding, dedicated and professional fire officer Dany Cotton, WFS Patron said “I’m absolutely delighted that Jules has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM).

“She is an outstanding, dedicated and professional fire officer who is committed to supporting diversity and improving the Fire and Rescue Service for

everyone.

“She has been involved in Women in the Fire Service UK for many years and I was so pleased when she was voted in as our Chair in 2019.

“She works tirelessly in her role in East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and still manages to dedicate numerous hours to WFS whilst being a fabulous Mum to her wonderful children.

“Her QFSM is true recognition of an amazing woman and I am so proud to call her a friend.”

Jules often speaks about leadership and that it is prevalent at all levels, in all roles and not just positions of management.

As the leader of an equalities organisation, Jules has many speaker opportunities at careers fairs, in schools, and at Fire Service equality, diversity and inclusion events.

She is determined that through education in schools, challenging out of date language, championing role models, and inspiring others to stand up to stereotypes - will pave the way for more girls and young women to aspire to have a career in the fire and rescue service.

Jules is determined to help bring about change for the better, and is passionate about working together with corporate members, other organisations and partners to build a more progressive service for all and for future generations.