Role models

“No employer gets it right 100% of the time, but I’d have no hesitation recommending a career in the fire and rescue service – particularly to those who identify as LGBT.”

“As I joined late I want to make the most out of every minute I have here. Hopefully I have another 10 years in me yet before it’s my time to hang up my tunic for the last time.”

“I was the first female firefighter at our fire station so it was quite a shock for everyone. But now it’s the norm.”

“Not a day goes by when I don’t see the best of humanity. I get to be the voice at the end of the phone to help calm those who have nowhere else to turn or give lifesaving advice.”

"Before I began volunteering I was living in a homeless hostel and was looking to fill my time with training and new activities. I had no qualifications and at the time no idea of what I wanted to do."

“The fire service had never crossed my mind as a career. I worked in the City. I wore suits, shirts, high heels and cufflinks and spent an hour getting ready in the morning. I was an insurance broker. I talked to plenty of people every day, I did deals, socialised, had fun – but I never really made a difference. I enjoyed my job and it paid well, so I never thought about changing career.”