Show jumper and maintenance technician amongst third batch of recruits training to serve local communities

Sixteen new recruits, including a show jumper and a maintenance technician, have started their journeys to becoming full-time firefighters in Staffordshire.

Their training began in March, where they have been busy learning the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern-day firefighter. 

Emily Harper used to work with show jumping horses and teaches karate in her spare time. She joined because she ‘always wanted to help other people’ and grew up around the fire service, thanks to her mum, who works in fire control.

She said: “I’m really proud to work for this organisation. The course has been great but there is a lot to learn.”

Morgan Crew, 21, from Burton-upon-Trent, worked in a retail store previously but says it has always been his dream to follow in his dad’s footsteps, who has been a firefighter for 28 years.

He said: “Being a firefighter has always been a big dream of mine and being here is something I’m really proud of.

“I’ve always worked with members of the public so being able to do this now fits really well with my skills.

“The course is really challenging physically and mentally but rewarding as well.”

Jacob Turner, 28, from Stafford, says the course has been ‘physically and mentally challenging but you’ve got your teammates and instructors there if you need to ask any questions’.

He says he has ‘learnt a lot of new skills’ and would recommend that people keep applying even if they do not get accepted onto the training first time.

Joshua Pope, 23, previously worked as a site maintenance technician for a trust of schools in Staffordshire. He also has a passion for mountain biking and being outdoors.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to do a job where I’m serving the community I’ve grown up in and where its outdoor and hands on so naturally this is a job that interested me.

“The course so far has been great and I’ve enjoyed getting to know the trainers and other members of the course as well.”

Another new recruit with a background in education is Griff King, 45, from Trentham. He previously worked in the pastoral side of education, a role which he described as ‘really rewarding’.

Griff said: “I’ve always wanted to do a rewarding role as an adult and I thought now is the time to do it, my age is not a barrier.

“I was inspired by my younger brother who wanted to join the service as well and I saw this opportunity as a way to challenge myself”.

Shaun Pinch previously worked as an on-call firefighter in Wales, where he is originally from.

He said: “I decided to join the fire service full-time because it’s something I’ve always done and I’ve always enjoyed it. I don’t think I’ve ever regretted work, it’s fun and a privilege.

“I love the problem-solving aspect of the training so far, no one day is the same”.

If you are interested in a career at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and would like to learn more, visit our website: Careers | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service