Fleur Holland, Watch Manager Community Safety

I joined the Fire Service on 11th May 1998 after leaving school with five GCSEs knowing that further education was not for me. I started work at 15 looking after showjumper horses as a groom. I worked at a variety of ‘horsey’ places before deciding to apply for the Fire Service once I reached 21.

I had always been an active person. Looking after horses for a living requires fitness, dedication and the strength to push on when times get tough.

I realised that my work with horses was good preparation for a career as a Firefighter. I applied for SYFR and started as a recruit at the age of 22, the youngest on the course at the time.

I love being a Firefighter. I still have a passion for horses and fitness but my main love is my family. I love being a mum and everything that comes with it.