Cleveland Fire Brigade is proud to highlight the role of women in the fire service in support of International Women’s Day (Tues 8 March).
The theme this year is #BreakTheBias to help celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.
The Brigade, a keen promoter of equality and diversity in the workforce, has 121 women in roles across all areas and departments. These range for firefighters and control room staff to IT specialists and Business Fire Safety Advisors.
Firefighter Niki Taylor, stationed at Thornaby Community Fire Station, said: “ I enjoy the variety of the job, from getting out into the community carrying out safer homes visits to training on station and then protecting the community by helping put fires out.
“I also enjoy being part of a team with like-minded people who are all there to make a difference. I would recommend other women to join the fire brigade as it’s a very rewarding job, where you will meet many inspiring people who will actively encourage you develop your career.
Georgia Golightly, an ICT Services Officer based at the Brigade’s Training and Admin Hub in Hartlepool, said: “In my role I answer any queries from the service desk email and telephone and assist with IT hardware and software at headquarters.
“I travel cross Cleveland to help troubleshoot with any equipment at stations or on engines, the station or appliances such as tablets and CCTV. I also work with fire control. And carry out back-up checks to ensure all systems are working.
“It is a broad and interesting role and two days are never the same. I would recommend working for Cleveland Fire Brigade, there are a broad range of roles for women, that contain exciting prospects.”.
Business Fire Safety Advisor Lisa Howsden said: “I carry out fire safety audits in a wide range of buildings from shops, offices, warehouses to flats and houses in multiple occupation. I have worked for Cleveland Fire Brigade for 34 years in many different roles and I would recommend joining the Fire Service to other women. There are so many opportunities”.
Alison Farndale, ICT Control Station Manager, has worked for Cleveland Fire Brigade for nearly 30 years, starting in Fire Control in 1992. She said: “Working for the Fire Brigade was without doubt the best choice that I made for my career. It has given me the opportunity to develop myself and work alongside a group of proud and professional individuals that inspire me every day, demonstrating their hard work and dedication to the service and our communities.
“Now I work days working alongside a variety of departments and other Fire and Rescue Service personnel throughout the country as well as partner agencies and companies. I thoroughly enjoy exploring new ways of working and looking at how we can improve on our delivery through new technology.”.
For more information on working for Cleveland Fire Brigade go to https://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/recruitment/
