The UK Women’s Fire Service Network hosted a 3-day Training & Development Event at the Fire Service College, Morten-in-Marsh, UK from the 20th-22nd June 2025. FF Geraldine Strahan who was the first female Firefighter to join the ranks of Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service in 2019 and is based at the Hacketstown Fire Station was selected to represent Ireland's Women's Fire Service Network (WFSN) to attend the Women in the Fire Service Training & Development Event 2025. Geraldine travelled with other WFSN members from Meath, Kerry & Clare Fire Services and participated in an Authentic leadership workshop, Empowering and Equipping Women for Excellence workshop & competed in a Firefighter Fitness Challenge amongst other events.
A/Chief Fire Officer Ben Woodhouse, ‘I was delighted to support FF Geraldine Strahan who was afforded this opportunity by Ireland’s WFSN to travel to the Fire Service College, Morten-in-Marsh where she represented both Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service and Ireland’s WFSN. Geraldine and her colleagues from Ireland’s WFSN participated in a number of workshops, competitions and had the opportunity to network with a large international group of peer female firefighters from across Fire Services from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I look forward to discussing any learning and good practices Geraldine experienced from this event which may be integrated where applicable to our County Fire Service.’
