News and Events

When Sue Ward first dreamed of becoming a firefighter as a young girl, she had no idea it would take her more than three decades to turn that ambition into reality. Now, at 51, Sue is proudly serving as an on-call firefighter at Darwen Fire Station and says it’s the best job she’s ever had.

Her story is one of determination, resilience and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your dream.

“I first wanted to join the fire service when I was 17,” Sue said. “But back then there was a minimum height requirement, and I was too short to even apply.”

Undeterred, Sue channelled her ambition into joining the Royal Navy, where she served in the newly formed women’s firefighting branch for nine years. She later built a successful career in the fitness industry, eventually opening the first-ever female fitness centres in Saudi Arabia.

But the dream of becoming a firefighter never faded.

Years later, Sue returned to the UK to support her daughter’s education and found herself browsing the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service website. “I saw that on-call firefighter recruitment was open and thought, could this be third time lucky?”

It was. At the age of 50, Sue applied, completed her training, and finally earned the title of firefighter.

“I never thought it was a possible reality for me,” she said. “At first I worried I was too old, or not fit enough. But there was so much support, from the Fit for Fire programme to my drill nights at Darwen.”

Sue is now an integral part of the team at Darwen, covering over 100 hours per week. “I love being part of such a supportive crew. We train and respond just like wholetime firefighters, we attend the same incidents, complete the same training, and carry the same responsibilities.”

She wants others to know that age isn’t a barrier. “There’s this myth that you have to be young to do this job. But if you’re over 18, reasonably fit, and committed - you can absolutely do it. I applied at 49 and I’m living my dream at 51.”

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters across the county, and Sue is urging others to apply. “If this has ever been your dream, go for it. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

 

Applications are open now until Friday 27 June. You must live or work within five to eight minutes of a fire station and be able to respond quickly. On-call firefighting fits around work, studies or family life and provides paid, flexible emergency cover to keep communities safe.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/careers/on-call-firefighters