Danielle Heathcote
Working Mum and On-Call Firefighter
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.
Working Mum and On-Call Firefighter
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.
Posted: Thursday 16 January 2020, 09:57
I had always wanted to join the Fire service, but when I looked into joining when I was 17, I was too young. I made a decision to work in a quarry whilst studying at college instead, allowing me to become a self-employed beauty and sports massage therapist until I had my little boy when I was 27. Whilst he was little, I studied Accountancy, which allowed me to work from home and fit my work around child care.
Whilst on holiday with friends a few years later we were discussing what jobs we had always wanted to do and I mentioned that I had always wanted to be a firefighter. On returning from holiday I pulled up at the local petrol station (which is next to the fire station) and there was a sign advertising for on-call firefighters. I thought to myself ‘it’s now or never’!
I applied on line and got in touch with the station. I was invited to attend a drill night to find out a bit more about the role and about how on-call works. After going to the station and meeting everyone, I knew I wanted to be a firefighter more than ever.
I learnt so many new skills and I grew as a person. The training is intense and there is a lot to learn, but it’s all doable and enjoyable. When you reach the end of the course it’s an incredible feeling of achievement.
After my initial application I worked on my fitness to make sure I could pass the equipment carry and as I’m short (‘cough’ 5ft 1!) I worked on upper body strength to pass the ladder lift. This was definitely the toughest bit for me, as I was at full extension to get the bar passed the mark, but I’m proud to say I passed and then had to wait for the interview and medical. At each stage I got through that hunger to be a firefighter grew and I was worried that I wouldn’t make it as I wanted to so badly!
Thankfully, I passed everything and I eagerly awaited the start of the training course and kept pinching myself as I thought it was a dream - I still do now sometimes! The course was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I learnt so many new skills and I grew as a person, (not in height I’m still short!) The training is intense and there is a lot to learn but it’s all doable and enjoyable. When you reach the end of the course it’s an incredible feeling of achievement.
Once I had passed out as a firefighter I eagerly awaited my first shout, which I didn’t have to wait long for, this came just 2 hours after I’d got home from my pass out parade! It was fantastic turning out on the truck and I still get that same excitement now every time we turn out, not knowing where or what we are going to and being there for the community I live in.
Two years on and I still have the absolute love for the job I did at the start. I have a whole new family in my crew and in Derbyshire Fire & Rescue and going to work is a pleasure. It never feels like a job as it is 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.
Interested in becoming an On-Call Firefighter? Read more about the role here