Meet Our Staff

As part of a recruitment campaign, several of our staff will be sharing their stories about their roles in the fire and rescue service. You can read some of the stories below.

• Mark Jones, Station Manager
• Tracy Pandya, Health and Safety Officer
• Ryan Tye, Firefighter
• Abi Hill, HR Support Officer
• Amy Bell, Firefighter
• Rahela Costea, Exchequer and Systems Manager
• Jo Herring, Firefighter
• Shuvham Bhandari, Technical Procurement Specialist
• Felicity Screen, Crew Manager
• Sophie Fox, Sustainability Officer
• Adam French, Watch Manager
• James Del Rio, It Technical Support Officer

Mark Jones joined Pangbourne Fire Station in 1990 as an On-call firefighter before becoming a Wholetime firefighter in 2000.

What first inspired you to become a firefighter?

Believe it or not, this was genuinely a childhood dream. As far back as I can remember I was always very interested in the fire service and wanting to part of a well-established team.

What was your best memory of your training course?

Without doubt, my greatest memory at training school was coming together with the most amazing talented people, with whom many I am still friends with today. In addition, the knowledge and skills that were afforded to me have assisted me throughout my career.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

There are many aspects of my role that I enjoy. I think integrating with all departments within the Service has enabled me to learn so much more and also meet some very talented people within the organisation. In addition to this, meeting members of our community and ensuring their safety, is a very satisfying achievement.

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

I would strongly encourage anyone considering applying to be a firefighter to do it straight away. The role is incredibly rewarding in many ways and the development opportunities are endless. The fire service has evolved so much over the past 30 years of my career and certainly that passion to continually develop its staff is a fundamental vision for RBFRS.

Tracy is a Health and Safety Officer and supports with resolving health, safety and welfare issues across the Service.

Why did you first decide to join the fire and rescue service?

I joined as an admin assistant and the part time hours, flexibility and location of the office fitted in perfectly with my family life at the time.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My role is extremely varied and no two days are the same. This makes my days very interesting and is why I have worked in the same department for over 23 years!

What is your favourite memory of working at RBFRS so far?

Not really a memory, but my favourite aspect of working for RBFRS is the people I work with. I have made lifelong friends who have got me through times when life has been difficult. It has always been a privilege to work alongside such professional and equally caring people.

What would you say to others considering joining Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service?

Never give up, it’s tough and challenging but so rewarding. Everyday is different but what makes it special is we are just ordinary people trying to make a difference at time when the public need us the most.

Ryan graduated as one of our Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices, before joining Langley Fire Station.

What first inspired you to become a firefighter?

I decided to become a firefighter after being fixated on the TV programmes Fireman Sam and London’s Burning as a child. I also visited fire stations around Berkshire and London on weekends and half terms and so this was a dream I wanted to live. Most importantly, the reason I joined was to make a difference within the community and to help people during the toughest times of their lives.

What was your best memory of your training course?

When we completed training exercises wearing breathing apparatus both in RBFRS and at the Fire Service College. This tested me both physically and mentally!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Engaging with the community, enjoying the variety of different shouts (emergency call outs), training and drilling. I’m currently part of the crew riding the back of the pump (fire engine) wanting to continuously strive to be better and learn more.

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

Never give up, it’s tough and challenging but so rewarding. Everyday is different but what makes it special is we are just ordinary people trying to make a difference at time when the public need us the most.

Abi is a HR Support Officer and provides support and guidance to managers, employees and applicants on all aspects of employment

Why did you first decide to join the fire and rescue service?

I joined the Service as part of an apprenticeship in HR as I already had an interest in joining a public service.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The staff I work with, everyone is so friendly and it’s such a great environment to work in.

What is your favourite memory of working at RBFRS so far?

My favourite memory has to be the station day I did with crews at Caversham Road Fire Station when I first joined. It was so fun but also insightful.

What would you say to others considering joining Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service?

You should join, the fulfilment of working for a public service is incredible, and the people are friendly and welcoming.

Amy graduated as one of our Wholetime Firefighter Apprentices, before joining Theale Community Fire Station.

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!

Rahela works in our Finance Department as an Exchequer and Systems Manager. Her role includes supervising Exchequer Services, providing advice to different members of staff and liaising with external organisations.

Why did you first decide to join the fire and rescue service?

I have a passion for helping others and when I saw this position advertised, I thought it’s the perfect fit for me even though it was not an operational role. I thought that by working for the Service, I would still be contributing to the bigger picture and helping the community.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I like the fact that I get to interact with many different people working across the Service and in external organisations. I also enjoy helping people to understand the finance systems and procedures and realise that finance is not that scary!

What is your favourite memory of working at RBFRS so far?

One of my favourite things about working here is the annual Finance and Procurement Christmas Event where we all bring food and have a celebration. Our team is a good mix of different nationalities, and we get to try delicious food from different parts of the world.

What would you say to others considering joining Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service?

I would definitely say go for it! The Service values its employees and invests in their development, wellbeing and recognises their achievements. Another important thing to note is that there are so many roles within RBFRS so even if you don’t want to be a firefighter there are lots of other opportunities!

Jo joined the Service in 2017 as an on-call firefighter at Crowthorne Community Fire Station, before joining Wokingham Fire Station as a wholetime firefighter. We asked Jo a few questions about her career in the fire service so far.

What first inspired you to become a firefighter?

As my children started to get older, I started to think about going back to work and what I would like to do. I was keen to find a role that would offer something different and worthwhile that really gave back to the community, whilst fitting in with my family. The opportunity arose to join the fire and rescue service and I thought ‘Why not?’.

What was your best memory of your training course?

The greatest memory of my training course was the achievement I felt on completion.  I had never done anything like this before so it was something I was, and still am immensely proud of.  I met some amazing people of whom I am still in contact with.  I have a photo of us after our water rescue training wearing dry suits, not looking our best but with huge smiles all round!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

It’s such a varied role and there is so much to learn, as well as responding to emergencies as required. Needless to say, there isn’t a typical day. One day can be relatively quiet, the next can be busy with emergencies.

My job keeps me on my toes, which I love. I also love the community feel of the job and getting involved with local events. Talking about my job is so easy and enjoyable to me, as I truly love what I do – and of course, I’m very proud of it.

I get to do so much locally, but I most often go to school fetes to speak on fire safety. I absolutely love the community feel of the job as well as getting to share my passion for the fire and rescue service with others. 

In addition, the role offers great flexibility which is important for my family. I’m able to balance working for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service with being a mother.

My children show an interest in what I do and they ask a lot of questions, particularly about animal rescue and fire engines! In addition, my children are becoming aware of fire safety from a young age which is excellent for their education.

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

Got for it! I attended a ‘Have a Go Day’ to get a feel for what it would be like and whether I was fit enough to pass the entry tests.  I also got to speak to firefighters and ask any questions I had.  You can also get support surrounding the fitness tests if required.  I passed the process and am now dual contract (wholetime and on-call).  This role gives me a great sense of achievement and I feel like I make a difference within the community. There are so many career opportunities within Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and avenues for learning.

Shuvham works as a Technical Procurement Specialist as part of our Procurement Team.

Why did you first decide to join the fire and rescue service?

I joined the Service as an intern and have been here in different roles ever since.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

This role involves a lot of problem solving, reading documents, learning policies and finding solutions to in a cost-effective manner.

What is your favourite memory of working at RBFRS so far?

My favourite memory was being recognised for the work I did for Safe and Well visits for Nepalese communities in Reading and West Berkshire.

What would you say to others considering joining Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service?

It is an amazing organisation that provides lots of support for development and career progression. The Service is always striving towards improving itself and being more representative of the community we serve.

Felicity joined RBFRS in 2017 as a wholetime firefighter at Slough Fire Station before transferring to Caversham Road Fire Station and then the Learning and Development Team in 2020. We asked Felicity a few questions about her career in the fire and rescue service so far.

What first inspired you to become a firefighter?

My first career was in the Armed forces, I was drawn towards being a firefighter from an early age but life took me in another direction. When leaving the services I knew I wanted a physical job where I was able to help and rescue people; and I revisited the initial plan. I was inspired by having been able to deliver lifesaving assistance and wanted a career along those lines.

What was your best memory of your training course?

There are so many! The two that stand out are the first time I searched a building looking for casualties and to make an attack on the fire, we had trained so hard and this initial drill enabled me to put what I had learned into practice, it was a great learning experience.  

My initial water rescue course is another great memory, I absolutely loved it right from day 1. We learned a number of ways to rescue people from water and were able to practice this at a white water rafting centre. After this course I went onto train to the next level.    

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy attending incidents to help and rescue people – the core part of the job. It’s the variety of incidents & the different approach to solve them, working as a crew & sometimes with other agencies to bring people to safety.

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

Go for it! All of the recruitment information is on the RBFRS website – take the time to understand the organisation – this will help you at interview. Train for the physical tests & when you write your application try to give answers from a variety of areas in your life. Visit a station to say hello & ask questions & attend a Have a Go day. Good luck.

Sophie works within the Estates Team as the Service’s Sustainability Officer. She leads on the delivery of various sustainability related projects as set out in our Strategic Asset Investment Framework.

Why did you first decide to join the fire and rescue service?

I joined the Service after I decided I wanted to go down a new career path and pursue qualifications in project management. I originally applied for a project assistant role which was a nine month contract. The job description looked varied and challenging and I knew it would be good opportunity for me to push myself.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My role is always varied due to the nature of doing project work, I am constantly learning new skills and get to work with lots of different people.

What is your favourite memory of working at RBFRS so far?

One of my favourite things about working for the Service and working in Sustainability is the feeling that in coming to work every day, I am making a difference.

What would you say to others considering joining Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service?

There is a job for everyone with the Service. Even if you are not sure exactly what a career path you want to go down there is always an opportunity to learn and explore different avenues.

Adam joined Newbury Green Watch as a Firefighter for about two years, then moved to Caversham Road for just over a year and a half. Following another short spell at Newbury, he moved into his current role as Watch Manager for Training and Development role.

What first inspired you to become a firefighter?

I was a teacher for several years because it was so important to me that I did something that helped people, and made a positive difference. It then occurred to me that a career in the fire service would enable me to help even more people, and perhaps even save a few lives!

What was your best memory of your training course?

Trying to work out how to resolve an internally flooded building, failing miserably, and getting absolutely drenched in the process.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Making a genuine positive difference to real people living real lives.

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

With the right motivation and ambition, there is no limit to the skillset you can obtain as a firefighter, or where you can go with it.

James works as an IT Technical Support Officer and, together with the rest of the team, supports all aspects of IT across the Organisation and Thames Valley Fire Control Service.

Why did you first decide to join the fire and rescue service?

Coming from the corporate sector I never felt much fulfilment in my work. Working for an emergency service gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction that you are ultimately making a real difference to people’s lives for the better.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the technical challenge of IT, learning about new technologies, and working with colleagues who are supportive and good humoured.

What would you say to others considering joining Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service?

It’s a great team of people to work with, provides flexible working options for a good work/life balance, and it’s a place where you can put your skills to use to really make a difference.