Name: Sally Evans
Station: Thornbury
Age: 42
Height: 5ft 8’’
Year
joined AF&RS: 2006
Previous
job: I also work as a barmaid and receptionist.
Position
at AF&RS: Retained firefighter.
Hobbies: Keeping fit, socialising and horse
riding.
Favourite
food: A good steak
Favourite
drink: Cider
Favourite
place: Wherever home is.
Claim to
fame: First female firefighter in Thornbury
Why did
you want to become a firefighter? I needed a challenge. I
enjoy helping in the community and I love the spontaneity of
working retained and of course the adrenalin rush.
Did you
have any fears about becoming a firefighter? Only the
normal fears of starting anything new and unknown.
Did you do
much physical training before joining AF&RS? I spent a
year training and I took on a personal trainer which was
fantastic.
How hard
did you find training school? I enjoyed it, but it was
challenging. It was difficult to take in so much information.
How was
your first day on shift? My first day on call was exciting
and nerve-racking, a mixture of all emotions.
How do you
find working in a mainly male dominated workforce? I love
it most of the time. When I am struggling with something I can feel
quite lonely but they do all try to help.
Is there
any support in place for female firefighters? There is a
support group called Women’s Action Group, which is there to be
used if you need it.
If a
female said to you they wanted to join AF&RS what would your
response be?
Go for it! Work hard, get fit, meet your goal and feel great about
what you have achieved.