Craig became an On-Call firefighter, aged 24, in 2008. He works night shifts in a warehouse and so has an On-Call firefighter contract to cover days and weekends at Ledbury Fire Station. This works really well, both for his family, and for the Service.
From the age of fourteen Craig worked at a local butchers on Saturdays, then later moved to a different butcher when he left school. He was feeling dissatisfied with his work and always wanted to do something for his community. A firefighter ex-colleague suggested he pop into the Fire Station for an informal chat with the Watch Commander, and following this he immediately applied. Throughout the application process Craig visited Ledbury Station every drill night to watch and to learn, and was made to feel welcome and part of the team, even before signing.
“I was with my partner when I joined the Fire Service, and in effect she joined with me! We work very closely together to make sure family life is planned ahead and carefully organised.”
His partner and boys are proud of Craig, and are also very understanding of his time commitment to the Fire Service. He has occasionally had to miss out on part of a birthday or Christmas celebration, but his family have waited for his return and completely support him.
“Working here is like being within a close family. When we have been called out to an incident, we talk about it in the cab on the way back to the Station, and have conversations about all sorts of things. The crew becomes very close because of everything we have shared. I remember a Christmas party where we rescued Santa from the tower at the Station. My children were small then and absolutely loved it. The comradery is very special here.”
Craig used to play football, but after a knee injury at the age of about thirty stopped him playing, he began coaching a children’s team. He enjoys football training sessions once a week and matches at weekends.
The experience gained through being a firefighter has been very helpful in his full-time job. The management and first aid courses attended and people skills gained have undoubtedly helped Craig to move up the ladder in his career outside the Service.
To find out more about becoming an On-Call firefighter: