I went to the College of West Anglia to study uniformed services. We worked with all the different services and armed forces but the only thing that really appealed to me was the fire service. It wasn’t just the kicking doors down and putting fires out, but the fact that you help people that made me really think about joining. I’ve always enjoyed being outside and working practically and this just seemed the best fit for me. So I looked into joining my local retained fire station in Kings Lynn. I have now been “on the run” as a fire fighter for just over a week. Within an hour of getting my alerter I attended my first fire call which was a lift rescue. Fortunately everyone was ok, but it was great to get out the doors on blue lights at last. As soon as we got back we were straight into some training in the yard as well, no messing about.
I am really looking forward to getting involved with the water rescue side of the job, fortunately for me the Kings Lynn appliance has some specialist kit for that. Apparently you get chucked in a weir and left to splash about. I think they’re winding me up a bit but I’m really looking forward to it.
I know there will be some tough things for me to deal with, in particular I know that I may have to attend incidents involving young people. I’m not looking forward to that, but there’s a lot of experience and support on the crew that has already helped me.
As a 19 year old I am the youngest member of the crew but I’m not treated any differently. There have already been a lot of laughs and I’m looking forward to lots more. And I’ve already got my first pay packet, the crew reckon that will help with my tight T-shirt addiction.
