From caring for sheep to caring for communities: Meet the Shepherdess working as an on-call firefighter

We are currently recruiting for on-call firefighters at various stations across Staffordshire.

Shepherdess and on-call firefighter, Katie Stanley, has shared how she balances both caring for a flock and communities across Abbots Bromley to encourage others to consider applying.

Katie joined the service in 2024 and has spent the past year developing her skills and assisting with incidents.

She works as an on-call firefighter alongside her day job which sees her care for around 300 sheep, including rare Oxford Down and Hebridean breeds.

Katie said: "Working as an on-call firefighter fits really well around my daily sheep activities, I just carry an alerter and when it goes off, I head straight to the station.

"It's really flexible with having to book off when I need to as well. For example, some of my sheep escaped recently through a broken fence and I was able to book off, sort out my sheep, then book back on.

"It's perfect to fit around your lifestyle whilst earning some extra money and doing something that can help the community."

Abbots Bromley Community Fire Station, on Goose Lane, is home to the only gym in the village, something which Katie uses to improve her fitness levels on the job.

She said: "When I was going through the initial tests, I really struggled with the Bleep Test, but I put had a personal trainer and really put in the effort. Now I’m in the service I have access to the free gym at the station which I use regularly.

One of the things that Katie particularly enjoys about the role is being part of a team and she also said that the service had supported her additional needs.

She explained: "The fire service is a fantastic way of being part of a close-knit team, we all work together and gain extra skills which we put into practice to help people.

"I am also dyslexic, and everyone has been really supportive which has helped me gain confidence in all areas which helps my home life too."

The role of an on-call firefighter is exactly the same as that of a full-time firefighter but with one difference – on-call firefighters aren’t based at the fire station all the time, they have an alerter and they only respond when there’s an emergency.

Anyone over the age of 18, who lives or works close to an on-call station can apply to become an on-call firefighter, and all applicants will go through the same recruitment and training process.

On-call firefighters receive the same training as full-time firefighters - but without the 16-week time restraint - which involves a number of different aspects such as working at heights, breathing apparatus, road traffic collisions and first aid.

Katie continued: "If anyone is on the fence about joining, head to a taster day or go to the local station, I think you'll find yourself asking for the next joining date because I did!"

To find out more about the role and to apply, visit On-call firefighter recruitment.