Get to know our new recruits! Part Two

Sixteen new recruits have begun their journeys in becoming full-time firefighters in Staffordshire.

We’ve welcomed a former personal trainer, someone who used to work with dressage horses and someone who worked in a family motorcycle business into our ranks.

They are all currently learning the practical and technical skills needed to meet the demands of a modern-day firefighter.

Thea Milward, 25, who was originally from Hong Kong, lived through a category five hurricane at only five-years-old. She said: "I saw the firefighters helping the community by getting storm shelters set up and they made us feel a lot safer. I wanted to do that for others some day."

She previously worked as an on-call firefighter for another service for the last 18 months, before deciding to join Staffordshire.

She said: "I've really enjoyed the course so far, we've covered the core skills and it's been really nice to work with a new group of people and improve our teamwork.”

Sam Deeley, 36, from Tamworth, has worked as a personal trainer for the past 15 years and is 'really enjoying' the physical side of the training.

He said: "I joined the fire service because I want to help the community, that's something I really enjoyed in my previous role.

"The course so far has been intense, there's a lot to learn but it's a great job, especially if you're physically-minded as we're out a lot practicing drills.

"The instructors always help as much as they can and as a group it's been really good to get to know everyone from different backgrounds and ways of life."

Another one of our new recruits who has also worked for a fire service previously is Stephen Redmond, 36, from Worcestershire.

He decided to apply for our firefighter training course after enjoying 'getting involved with the public and giving advice' in his voluntary role in a search and rescue team.

He said: "The course so far has been challenging at times, both physically and mentally, but I'm really enjoying it and it's great to meet new people and learn different ways of doing things.

"I'd urge anyone thinking of applying to just do it, it's one of the best jobs I've ever had."

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