Firefighter Tracy Doyle has won an Attitude Pride Award, which celebrates the unsung heroes in the LGBTQ+ community and gives them a global platform on which to share their stories.
Tracy participated in a rescue mission as part of the International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked south east Turkey near the Syrian border on the 6th February 2023.
Tracy was part of a 12 strong London Fire Brigade team who went to Turkey as part of UK ISAR. In total the UK sent 77 people from fire and rescue services from around the UK. The team performed eight live rescues which makes it the most successful mission to date.
Tracy is a fantastic role model for the Brigade and a much-loved member of the London Fire Brigade’s LGBTQ+ Network, which has been around for more than 20 years and advises on policy, supports members, and attends the annual London Pride march.
Tracy would like to dedicate this award to her fellow members of the UK ISAR team and the people of Turkey who were affected by earthquake.
Firefighter Tracy Doyle said: “I'm extremely proud to have been nominated and receive the Attitude Pride award.
“I would like to dedicate and thank the 76 UK ISAR personal that were deployed to help all those affected by the earthquake in Turkey. Without the experience and knowledge from the whole team, we wouldn't have been able to have saved so many lives.
“I'd also like to dedicate this award to Gamze and other interpreters that worked tirelessly alongside us on a daily basis, volunteering to help those in need at such a devastating time. They lost their own homes yet gave so much to us and the Turkish people.”
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe said: “I would like to congratulate Tracy on her Attitude Pride Award in recognition for her work in Turkey. We’re so proud of her and the team for their support and the help they gave those facing this catastrophe.
“Tracy is a fantastic role model in increasing visibility of the LGBTQ+ community within the Brigade and has been heavily involved in supporting our LGBTQ+ staff. Tracy is also a much-loved member of the London Fire Brigade’s LGBTQ+ Network and I am pleased that her contribution has been recognised.
“We’re working hard to make sure the Brigade is an inclusive place to work and represents our communities. Nobody should feel they have to hide their true self or be worried about their sexuality, gender or race. I hope that members of the LGBTQ+ community will be inspired by Tracy and see that the Brigade is a welcoming place for everyone.”
Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Fiona Twycross said: “Our LGBTQ+ community make an enormous contribution to our city and I am proud that Tracy’s heroic efforts with the London Fire Brigade have been recognised with such a prestigious award.
“The Brigade played an important role supporting the international relief effort following the devastating earthquake in Turkey earlier this year, and Tracy and her colleagues helped to save lives in very difficult and challenging circumstances.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Tracy’s instrumental role in championing London Fire Brigade’s LGBTQ+ Network. The Mayor and I are committed to supporting Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, in his efforts to make the Brigade inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”