• Joined the Service in February 2023

• Based at Theale Community Fire Station

As part of our Wholetime Firefighter Apprentice recruitment campaign, we’re asking some of our current wholetime firefighters for their experience of the job.

We will be featuring some of our newer recruits, as well as those who have worked in the fire and rescue service for many years.

Amy Bell graduated as part of our latest group of Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices, before joining Theale Community Fire Station in West Berkshire. We asked Amy a few questions about her journey in becoming a firefighter so far.

What first inspired you to become a firefighter?

I was in the navy before joining the fire service and some of the experience is definitely transferrable. The team work ethic and challenging environments are engrained in us as veterans, as well as working with like-minded, diligent people. Therefore, the transition to the fire service seemed like a good option.

What was your best memory of your training course?

I trained at the Fire Service College in Morton-in-Marsh and our first combi-drill on “Sir Henry” sticks in my memory. “Sir Henry” is a concrete ship on site that allowed four teams to work together on all levels of the ship; inside and out. This was a fantastic exercise and opportunity to develop our coordination and teamwork in a pressured environment.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The versatility; every day as part of the crew as an assigned breathing apparatus wearer (BA2) is different, from daily routines on station to each individual emergency call. Every day is a learning day and every day brings something new.

Any words of advice for someone considering applying to be a firefighter with us?

It’s hard work, physically and mentally. But if you make sure you are in the best physical shape and in a good place with your wellbeing all round – you should be ready to apply!