Tyne and Wear firefighter triumphs at international event

As reported by Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue, Vicky Haswell, a firefighter from Sunderland, recently returned from the 15th World Firefighters Games in Aalborg, Denmark, with three gold medals.

Haswell, who has served with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) for over 22 years, secured victories in the 400m, 800m, and javelin events.

She is part of the team at Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station and also represents Sunderland Harriers Athletic Club, a club she has been associated with for over 30 years.

Speaking of her success, Haswell said: “I was really proud to wear the colours of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s sporting team during the World Firefighters Games.”

Vicky Haswell’s sports achievements

Vicky Haswell’s career as a firefighter spans across various stations, including Washington, Sunderland Central, and Farringdon.

She remains active in competitive athletics, and her recent success in Denmark is not her first at international events.

Haswell has previously competed in the World Masters Championships for the GB over-35 team in 2017, and in 2019 at the European Masters Championships in Italy.

Her passion for sport extends beyond her personal achievements.

Haswell highlighted the importance of athletics in fostering friendships and said: “Sport plays such an important role in my life and is something that brings so many people closer together from different clubs, organisations, and other blue light services.”

Support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue

The TWFRS Sports and Welfare team supported Haswell’s journey to Denmark with a small grant that helped cover her travel expenses.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson praised her achievements, saying: “What an amazing achievement by Vicky to bring home three gold medals to Tyne & Wear.

“We value sports and welfare across the Service and encourage our colleagues to pursue team and individual participation.”

The service regularly supports its personnel in engaging with sports activities, recognising their role in promoting well-being within the workforce.

Nicholson added: “Vicky’s hard work and dedication is testament to her desire to do well when representing the Service and Tyne & Wear as a whole.”

Preparing for future competitions

Vicky Haswell’s athletic journey is set to continue as she prepares for the next World Firefighters Games, which will take place in Saudi Arabia in two years.

She will once again represent Tyne and Wear at the international event, continuing her involvement in competitive athletics.

Her son William, also a keen runner, follows in her footsteps.

In recent years, he raised over £2,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity by running two miles a day for a month after the COVID pandemic.

Haswell’s sporting inspirations include prominent figures like Dame Kelly Holmes and Keely Hodgkinson.

Firefighter from Tyne and Wear wins gold at World Firefighters Games: Summary

Vicky Haswell, a firefighter from Tyne and Wear, secured three gold medals in the 15th World Firefighters Games in Denmark.

She won in the 400m, 800m, and javelin events while representing the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS).

Haswell has served with TWFRS for over 22 years and is an active member of Sunderland Harriers Athletic Club.

Supported by a grant from TWFRS, she competed internationally and is preparing for the next World Firefighters Games in Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson praised Haswell for her dedication and success.