James lives in Broadway, and had dreamed of becoming a firefighter as a child, but didn’t think it would actually happen. He has worked in the security industry for about ten years, and the Watch Commander from Broadway visited his workplace, and discussed the potential for becoming an On-Call firefighter. Within a few short months, James started his firefighter role!
James works from home and his employers are very supportive in helping him to fulfil his role at Broadway Fire Station. “It’s necessary to pre-plan with both the crew and the family, and to be fully flexible. My family are very supportive and have adjusted to me dropping everything at very short notice, or being woken up in the middle of the night.
“The training given by HWFRS is excellent and fully prepares you. My second ever shout was to a thatched roof fire, working alongside about seventy other firefighters from across the two counties, and at that point it all became very real. I also remember being called out to a more quirky incident of a reported hot air balloon ‘crash’, which was actually just a hot air balloon landing!”
James had moved into the area three years before joining the Service, and didn’t know anyone. He has now made many friends through working at Broadway Fire Station, enjoys social events and partners also get on well together. “It is a great close-knit team. We bring different skills from all areas of life, and help and support each other. When I’m going into a burning building wearing breathing apparatus, I am confident that my colleagues have my back. Sometimes we support other Fire Stations, such as Evesham, or we may go over the border into Gloucestershire. We have a great relationship with crews from other stations.”
James is dyslexic and has received support via the dedicated specialist at HQ. This involves iPad software to help with reading and the ability to change font colours and sizes to help with navigation. It hasn’t held James back in any way.
“If you are considering joining, I would encourage you. It is really well worth doing – you can earn a little extra which is never a bad thing, but the main benefit is everything you achieve, personally through learning new skills and as part of a team. You are helping people in their time of need. When the local community hear that siren, they know that we are on our way and doing everything we can to help.”
To find out more about becoming an On-Call firefighter: