Fire cadet leader inspiring the next generation wins national award

Lilia Gibrat, a current BSc (Hons) Fire and Rescue second-year student at the University, won the Youth Inspiration Award at this year’s The Women in the Fire Service Awards 2024.  

The awards recognised the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals within the fire and rescue sector, highlighting their dedication, leadership and impact. 

Lilia, who is also part of the Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets, was recognised for her role in supporting cadets with special needs and ensuring inclusion is a major part of all fire skills activities.  

From overcoming anxieties and low confidence, Lilia has excelled in drill yard skills and became a fire specialism cadet. Between 2022 -2023, she took on the role of Chief Fire Officer Cadet where she actively advocated for young people’s voices, participating in discussions on important topics. 

As part of her role at the Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets, Lilia engages with the community, prioritising safety by providing prevention advice and promoting diversity in the Fire Service, notably at events such as PRIDE and Diwali.  

She now has aims of becoming a wholetime firefighter.  

Reflecting on her award win and career so far, Lilia said: “I didn’t expect to be nominated let alone win an award.  

“I really want to thank the University of Wolverhampton and the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service cadet leaders for guiding and helping me get to where I am today.  

“I’m very grateful to have found a path that I feel will fulfil me personally and professionally. 

"My interest in fire and rescue peaked as soon as I became a cadet. Now a Cadet Leader, I enjoy guiding younger cadets.  

“The Fire and Rescue course at the University of Wolverhampton was the only course I considered after completing my A-Levels. The University has helped in putting me on a path to develop a career in the Fire Service. 

“I’m looking forward to completing my degree and am even more motivated to carry on encouraging cadets to pursue a career in Fire and Rescue.” 

The University offers a variety of degrees including Fire and Rescue, Policing and Intelligence, Sociology and Criminology and Social Care at the University's School of Social Science and Humanities.  

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