What was your first role in the industry?
My first role in the fire service was as an on-call firefighter, which I could do alongside my full-time job as a foundry foreman. Being on-call gave me the chance to experience the role and complete all the training needed to be a firefighter — which I loved. I later applied and became a wholetime firefighter, which I’ve now been doing for almost four years.
What’s the most challenging professional incident you’ve had to deal with?
Physically, some of the wildfires I’ve attended in the middle of summer can be long and exhausting due to the intense heat. But KFRS has introduced specialist wildfire kit, which is more lightweight and helps reduce injury and heat fatigue.
An incident where the outcome tragically impacts someone’s life is always difficult, so it’s important to have a good support network. KFRS offers great internal support for these rare incidents.
What’s one item or piece of kit you wouldn’t be without?
For me, the Half-Face Respirator is a vital piece of kit. I’ve used it at RTCs and in smoke-filled environments. It’s essential for safety and I trust it to keep me safe.
What’s your favourite tech innovation of recent years?
I’m not great with technology, although my teenage kids help me at home! But it’s always good when new kit or systems enhance our response and safety.
What’s a common misconception about your job?
Some think we only attend fires and crashes, but we also respond to rescues from water and height, animal rescues, and do fire prevention work, like fitting smoke alarms and advising residents
Who’s someone in the industry you really admire?
I genuinely admire all firefighters, especially those I serve with. Working in high-intensity situations brings you closer together – it’s like a second family.
