Lee Watson

Tell us about your role

In my role as Assistant Director Response, I am responsible for overseeing operational response and training across Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. This means ensuring that our crews are fully prepared, highly skilled, and equipped to deliver an effective and safe emergency response for our communities. 

My focus is on maintaining high operational standards, developing and implementing robust training programmes, and continually enhancing our response capabilities. This is an ongoing process of improvement, where we actively seek out innovation and best practice to strengthen our operational effectiveness, support the wellbeing of our staff, all of which helps to ensure we keep the communities of Herefordshire and Worcestershire safe. 

Tell us more about your fire service career

I started my career in the fire service in 2005 and I have had the pleasure of working across the organisation at various stations and departments. My first position was at Kidderminster Fire Station, prior to moving to Worcester as a Crew Commander from. From there, I became an instructor at Training Centre and after four years in this role moved to Hereford as a Watch Commander. Since this time, I’ve worked in multiple departments, including in Performance & Information and Operational Logistics in addition to being Station Commander overseeing Droitwich and Tenbury Fire Stations. Having experienced all these different work locations, I have been able to work alongside many staff all of whom have surpassed my expectations. Through the variety of roles, I’ve been able to build my understanding of the organisation and how we can best serve the communities.

What makes HWFRS a great place to work?

Whenever I speak to my daughter about the fire service, I explain to her that everyone involved has a desire to help people. What makes Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service a great place to work is that the staff consistently go above and beyond so that the organisation can support the community through many avenues. I can honestly say that it is the people within the organisation and what they do on a day-to-day basis which makes coming into work enjoyable.