Walney firefighters look to inspire potential new recruits

The hope is that, through sharing their own personal testimonies, they will help to encourage new recruits to come forward.

This is ahead of an open evening taking place at the fire station on Thursday, February 29 between 7pm and 9pm.

Si Morgan said: "As an on-call Firefighter you receive training in all aspects of the role and these skills have gone on to helping members of the crew in their normal lives, both personal and in employment. 

"Gaining new skills and putting them to practice while being part of a great team is what keeps me motivated and enjoying being an on-call firefighter with Walney."

Si Morgan pictured in 2016 with a woman he helped during a fire (Image: Martini)

Si has been with Cumbria Fire and Rescue for 20 years now, which means that he has witnessed the service transform in terms of the equipment firefighters use and the incidents they respond to.

He added: "On average we are mobilised to around 200 emergencies a year.

"We don't just put out fires, we respond to rescues from height, water rescues, assisting other Blue Light agencies and hazardous materials incidents to name just a few."

Gary McDonald, who has been with the service for 15 years, described how one of the key benefits is knowing that his children are proud of what he does for a job.

"It makes me proud to give something back to the local community and the feeling of being able to help people in their hour of need," Gary explained. 

Si and Gary pictured alongside the crew in 2016 (Image: Martini)

"It’s not just a fire station it’s like an extended family."

Even the latest recruits wanted people thinking about the career to know that it was a worthwhile option.

Ryan Everett said: "I wanted to do it to help the community and to work in part of a team, and it has been a highly rewarding career so far."

You can find out more about the recruitment process here.