A business owner and a professional horse rider: two new on-call firefighters start their journey to deployment

A business owner and a professional horse rider are the latest new recruits to join Abbots Bromley Community Fire Station as on-call firefighters.

Katie and Ellie both joined the Abbots Bromley Community Fire Station as on-call firefighters in December 2024 and since then have been through the initial part of the on-call firefighter training.

Business owner Katie and professional horse rider and trainer Ellie finished their Core Skills training last month which involved learning how to use hoses, hydrants and ladders. This is the first part of an on-call firefighter’s development and means that they are both now able to attend calls and help at incidents.

Ellie said: “It was amazing to be fully immersed into a completely different industry and it was great getting outside and being as hands on as possible.

“There were 14 other on-call firefighters on my cohort so it was really nice to have that team spirit throughout each course and on assessment days.”

Katie added: “I really enjoyed the initial part of the training and I’m looking forward to the next training we’ll do.

“The whole group were really supportive and I’ve made some great friends. The instructors were great and helped me with my dyslexia, helping in any way possible.”

Ellie has also started her LGV training which will allow her to drive fire engines to non-emergency incidents. She said: “I already have my HGV license so with the LGV conversion, I’ll be able to bring another skill to the crew.”

An on-call firefighter’s training takes approximately three years and throughout this time, they will learn how to use breathing apparatus, emergency first aid and what to do at a road traffic collision.

Ellie said: “I’m looking forward to completing my training and being able to put it to good use helping the local community.

“When I heard that Abbots Bromley were recruiting on-call firefighters, I realised that I wanted to be part of making a difference. So, I went down one drill night, spoke to the crew and discovered how flexible the hours could be around my full-time employment – so I applied.”

Katie said: “Becoming an on-call firefighter was something I’d been thinking of doing for a while but needed to be able to fit in the hours around my business, which I am able to do.

“I’m really looking forward to using the skills I’ve learnt so far and excited to gain more skills and experience along the way.”

Abbots Bromley Fire Station, along with several other fire stations in the county, are recruiting for on-call firefighters. The role is paid, flexible and most people work it around their existing commitments whether that be primary employment elsewhere or caring responsibilities.

Katie and Ellie will be posting their progress on the Abbots Bromley Facebook page to give an insight into their training as well as what it’s like to be an on-call firefighter. So keep an eye on the page and if you’re feeling inspired by their story, visit our website as we’re recruiting: https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/careers/on-call-firefighters/