Meet Bev. From On-Call to Wholetime, read about Bev’s experience and journey to date

Tell us about your journey so far.

Never in a million years did I ever expect to be a firefighter, it was never a career I had considered or even looked at. I was in an accounts office where I had been for the last 13 and a half years and expected to see out my working life there if I'm honest. 

I had seen a post on Facebook that my local On-Call station were recruiting and decided I had nothing to lose by applying. 

I met with both the watch and crew manager at my local station, along with my husband who was also interested in the role. We were given lots of information about the role and how being an On-Call firefighter works. We were shown around the station and the fire engine and from that evening onwards I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.

Both myself and Andy (my husband) were successful in our applications and went through the 6 weeks training together to become On-Call firefighters.

Having that support network at home for me has played a huge role in me being able to progress my career with the fire service.

How did you progress your career with the Service?

I gave up my primary employment and threw myself into everything the Service had to offer including community work and gaining skills and knowledge for the role. I have spent a little bit of time working with the youth team delivering fire setting interventions within the county which I thoroughly enjoyed. As part of a team I assisted delivering CPR training in the secondary school that my 2 children attend, they love that their Mum and Dad are firefighters and something that they are both proud of. 

I knew that when wholetime recruitment opened this was something I wanted to apply for. I made contact with the Service’s positive action team seeking help with interview advice and I found this really useful knowing what to expect every step of the way. 

I love the variety that comes with role of a firefighter and especially engaging with the community. No two shouts are ever the same and we are always learning and keeping our training up to date. 

What are you looking forward to most in the role?

I'm looking forward to being able to help and engage with the community, help them and further expand my knowledge and skill set to better myself for the role of a firefighter. 

During training I think I am most looking forward to the breathing apparatus training, although I know this module will most definitely be the hardest work physically - I really enjoyed it on my initial On-Call course.

I also love the trauma care module and this is a skill we can use in everyday life if needed. 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, friends and walking my dog.