A collection of stories from across the service.
Here you can read about all aspects of the service from a personal point of view from both our operational and non-operational staff.
You can can narrow down your search by selecting a topic from the list below.
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Speaking to Colin Winterbottom, Station Manager Incident Command & BA, who has been on the ground with the crews at the Rakes Moss, we get a clear understanding of how the days have been at this incident.
Adam speaks about the importance of open conversations to improve wellbeing and inspiring young people within our communities.
Becky gives her views on how inclusion is being inspired within Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and the reasons why she joined the sector.
Bev tells us how she got into the Service and what it’s like to be an On-Call Firefighter
Bex talks about the importance of women within the fire service and being a role model for young women and girls.
To help keep children occupied during the Covid-19 pandemic we have produced a number of colouring sheets for them to downloaded and colour in.
Read how it feels and what it means to join DFRS and become one of our dedicated CSOs (Community Safety Officers)
It never feels like a job as it’s so rewarding. It fits perfectly around my family life and I have a boy who is proud of his mama and I hope that it will encourage him to follow his dreams.
We all know we should test our smoke alarms regularly (once a week) to keep us and our loved ones safe from fire at home; but do you know how often you should replace your alarms and batteries? They don’t last forever, so here’s some tips and to help you know when it’s time for a change.
Hear how a family run framing business support On-Call Firefighter, Zac Morris. Zac, an On-Call Firefighter and employee at In2Frames in Staveley, is one example of an On-Call Firefighter, being wholly supported by his employer.
The Charity supports all fire and rescue service personnel, whatever their role in the service. Together you helped us raise £46,895 for the charity in 2021
“I found returning to work after maternity nerve wrecking, but had great support from the Service.”
Jo Hoare speaks on a long career within the fire service and balancing work while being a busy mum of three.
Jolene talks about the support network within Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and her experience in both an on-call and wholetime operational role.
Jolene O'Sullivan speaks on her transition from on-call to wholetime firefighter and what she describes as the 'best job in the world'.
Working part-time as a Next Sales Assistant, Jolene found time to do the job she’s always wanted to do
Jordan Spencer speaks on his pursuit to become a firefighter as he offers advice to those thinking of joining the exciting yet rewarding career path.
Louise talks about forging a path for women within the fire and rescue sector and the positive change she's witnessed in her time as a firefighter.
Lukasz talks about being a positive role model in a predominately male workforce within Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service.
“I love the variety that comes with the role of a firefighter and especially engaging with the community.”
On-Call trainee Caitlin tells us how she’s looking forward to working with her colleagues on station and getting out there to make a difference, big or small.
I’m looking forward to making a difference to people’s lives, I’ve always been a believer of putting others first
Brett, our ICT Service Delivery Manager, talks about apprenticeships from a management perspective and reflects on the success of former apprentice Jack.
Indiana, our Transport Administration Apprentice, tells us about why she chose an apprenticeship with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and what she has learned so far.
Jack Bonnici-Oakley, who joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) as an apprentice, tells us about his journey so far and the skills he has gained.
I am self employed as a mental health counsellor within my own business, which means I can work my admin hours around being on-call and adapt my diary to suit being On-Call from home.
“When I have completed Phase 1 training I am most looking forward to carrying out Safe & Well checks, getting to know my local community more and providing the high risk community members with the support they need.”
Leanne Mellors, our Principal Officer Support Team Leader, tells us about her nearly decade long career with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) that began when she applied for an apprenticeship.
Natalia, our Business Safety Advisor for Erewash, Derby City and South Derbyshire, talks about her experience of moving departments within the Service and her new role.
“I think any parent always worries about their children, even when they are full grown adults.”
Sarah joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) in August, during a time of significant change due to Coronavirus. Now a month into the role, we catch up to talk all things Business Safety and joining DFRS.
Prior to joining the Fire Service I worked for a very large high street Bank as a Mortgage Advisor, for over 13 and a half years.
With week one complete, Jess tells us what drew him to the Service and what training has been like for the new recruits.
Coming into a completely new industry can sometimes be daunting. Jordan explains how he’s found week one, coming into training without a services background.
After applying to be a Firefighter twice before, Mark was successful in securing his dream job. We found out what his first week of training was like.
At age 14, Tom joined DFRS as a Fire Cadet and set his sights on a role as a Firefighter. Now in training, Tom lets us know how his first week matched up to his expectations.
Helen Tideswell, our Transport Admin Manager, tells about the importance of supporting apprentices on their journey.
“I get four days off meaning I can actually spend a lot more time with my children.”
“All in all, it works great as I get lots of time off with the kids”
Zoe, a wholetime trainee on course 108, tells us about why she wanted to become a Firefighter and her journey so far.
After leaving college I gained employment in the Engineering industry, which I have been doing for over 25 years. Despite enjoying this role, in 2007 I decided I wanted to give something back to my local community.
Inclusion Station Manager Mick Wyldbore-Wood reflects on his own experience of Ramadan after joining Derbyshire’s Muslim community to observe the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar.
I’m one of two Inclusion Officers for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service. I’ve worked for the Service for three years, and have been in Prevention & Inclusion for the duration. We re-started the LGBT+ & Allies Network in Spring 2018 and since then it has gone from strength to strength.
Our staff explain what it means to them to be given the opportunity to be part of the Telephone Befriending service and also participating in the Shielding Calls.
Our second week of training started with manual handling and general health and safety. We learnt about what’s on the appliance (appliances are also known as fire trucks or fire tenders) and the process of taking the inventory, routinely done every morning.
Getting more technical input and some practical, the second week of training involved manual handling; due to the nature of our job we need to lift correctly and store equipment correctly to prevent injury.
Whaley Bridge was put on the map this time last year when a major incident was declared in the small Derbyshire town. Downpours of torrential rain caused dangerous levels of water and structural damage to the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir which looked set to breach.
“When I returned to work the support and understanding of everyone at work was really great, just what a new father needed at the time.”
