Paul – PR

Why did you decide to join the service?

I used to be a Game Keeper, and had always enjoyed doing physical, outdoor work. The fire service appealed because, as well as offering me a role that was very active, it gave me the chance to develop a career that was based around helping people. I was lucky enough to get to know some firefighters before applying, and the one thing that struck was that they never complained about their work. I mean, how many people can you say that about? Another bonus was the fact I could apply aged 27. In another profession, like the Forces for example, I’d have been considered too old.

Where did you start out?

Liverpool Street in Salford. It was a bit of a baptism of fire – the area boasts more ASBOs than anywhere else in the country - but I grew up in there and felt incredibly proud to be serving my ‘home’ community. I adored going to work every morning, and couldn’t believe someone was paying me to do my job. There were some real characters in my station and we had a great laugh. However, it was also a very professional environment and I learnt a lot from the experienced people around me.

What was the next step?

While at Salford, I gained some experience as a Leading Firefighter (what’s now called a Crew Manager) and I was promoted to the role full-time, aged 32. It meant moving to a station in Altrincham, which was a lot smaller than the one at Salford. Because the environment wasn’t quite as busy, I was able to get more involved in the running of the station. My leadership skills came on a lot. But after nine months or so I was offered the chance to gain experience in a non-operational role at Head Office. I liked the idea of trying something different, so I became a Sub Officer [now known as a Watch Manager], where I was in charge of awards and commendations, and started working a standard nine to five.

So you’ve had the chance to try your hand at a few different things?

Oh yes. The service is very open to you gaining experience in different areas – if that’s what you want. After my stint at Head Office, I moved back onto the operational side of things and joined the Eccles station. The great thing about Eccles is that it’s got a water incident unit. So I had the chance to learn new skills in that area. And while I was there I qualified as a Swift Water First Responder, which is an internationally recognised award.

I was still very keen to develop my team leadership skills, so I spent time as a Watch Manager in Bolton and Broughton. I learnt a lot during this time, and had the chance to work closely with a variety of communities. By this point in my career I’d achieved three promotions in nine years, and gained a wide range of qualifications. Not bad for a late starter.

Paul

“I achieved three promotions in nine years, and gained a range of qualifications. Not bad for a late starter.”