Sarah Holden: On-call firefighter, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
I was approaching 40, my children had grown up and I found myself with a little more time on my hands. I wanted to give something back. Becoming an on-call firefighter seemed perfect for me. I was apprehensive about the recruitment process. I’d heard stories about how tough it is. I was the oldest female on the course and the second oldest recruit overall. Yes, it was tough.Luckily I was in regular contact with the watch manager who gave me the encouragement I needed.
I applied to be a wholetime firefighter six months after I became an on-call firefighter because I love the work so much. For my interview I had to give a 10-minute speech on the role of a modern-day firefighter and the challenges we face. Doing this truly opened my eyes. It made me appreciate everything the fire service does and, more importantly, made me realise this is the perfect job for me.
I was the first female firefighter at our fire station so it was quite a shock for everyone. But now it’s the norm. I’ve shown my children they can be anything and do anything they want.