Adam moved to Fownhope in 1997 and joined Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service in 2010, providing On-Call night cover for Fownhope Fire Station and On-Call day cover for Ross on Wye Fire Station. He is an electrician is his ‘day’ job.
Adam completed the Firefighter Duke of Edinburgh Award and dreamed of being a firefighter from a young age but believed it would be impossible because of his colour vision deficiency and childhood asthma. Having spoken to the Watch Commander at Fownhope, the Service helped him to apply to be an On-Call firefighter by sending him to Birmingham University Hospital for some sight tests, where his fitness to join was approved.
He said “Running a team of electricians means that I can be flexible during the day, and because I mainly work in the Ross area, it’s ideal. If I’m in a work related meeting, and I’m called away to a shout, they are always understanding and realise the importance of the work of the Fire Service. I structure my social time around my On-Call shift pattern, everything is pre-planned and organised.
“The training I have received from the Service, especially medical training, has proved helpful a number of times over the years, even when I’ve been nowhere near the station, meaning I have been in a position to help when needed. I have a strong sense of being able to help the community.”
Adam is a member of the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s Road Traffic Collision Extrication team, and competes in the World Rescue Organisation (WRO) Extrication Challenge. Last year the team represented the UK, with Adam and his team competing at the highest standard, placing fourth overall in the World!
Adam finds his work extremely rewarding, although it can be time restrictive, the contracts are very flexible. The whole team pulls together and strives for the same thing, all aiming of helping someone in need and honing your personal skills. “If ever anyone on Station ever finds themselves struggling, the team is always there to help.”
To find out more about becoming an On-Call firefighter: