Name: Jane Finch

Station/Watch: Southmead/White

Age: 27

Height: 5ft 8”

Weight: 11 stone

Year joined AF&RS: 2003

Previous job: Lifeguard

Position at AF&RS: Firefighter

Hobbies: Running and swimming

Favourite food: Chocolate

Favourite drink: Malibu

Favourite place: St Merryn, Cornwall
Why did you want to become a firefighter? I wanted a job that I would really enjoy and find challenging. You have to work a lot of hours in your life so it’s great if you love what you do. 

Did you do much physical training before joining AF&RS? I went running quite a bit, did weight training and general fitness.

How hard did you find training school? Training school was hard but also really enjoyable. I studied a lot and really tried to do the best I could. I was glad that I had studied a lot when I got on station.

How was your first day on shift? I was pretty nervous arriving for my first shift but the guys on my watch made me feel welcome and helped me settle in. I did not sleep much on the first night though!

How do you find working in a mainly male dominated workforce? I think fire stations are a very equal environment to work in. Everyone has to work together as a team on jobs and also put in a lot of effort into general station life. I love working with the guys and girls on my watch and station, they help to make my work life happy and rewarding

Is there any support in place for female firefighters? I hope there is support for all firefighters, male and female.

What is your most memorable moment at work? I think most people will always remember their first shout, being nervous and excited when the bells go down.

What has been you most embarrassing moment at work? I embarrass myself quite a lot by being clumsy and dropping stuff all of the time.

If a female said to you they wanted to join AF&RS what would your response be?

I would suggest to any female, or male, wanting to join Avon Fire & Rescue Service to get as much information as possible about the job. Find out about the recruitment process, what will be expected from you, how long the process takes and any study packs that may be available to you.

Visit your local fire station and find out a bit about station life. I am sure the firefighters on duty will be helpful, answer any questions and go through the elements you will be assessed on during the selection test. They will help get rid of any fears and tell you their stories of joining and about their time at AF&RS.