On-call firefighter Brad Main.
A former Spennymoor milkman swapped his milk float for a fire engine when he became an on-call firefighter.
Brad Main spent his teenage years delivering milk around County Durham but dreamed of a career in the fire service.
And in March 2022, his ambition became a reality when he joined County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) as an on-call firefighter.
On-call firefighters are paid and can be anything from factory workers, cooks and farmers to carers, full-time parents or students.
They’re going about their daily routine until the call comes and they become professional firefighters.
Brad, 22, gives up his free time to respond to incidents from his home in Spennymoor when alerted by his pager.
“I joined the Fire Cadets at Spennymoor Fire Station when I was a teenager which was a real eye opener for me as I got to know a bit more about the Service and the background of the job,” Brad said.
“I like keeping fit and the role is physically demanding, so ahead of the role-related tests element of the job application, I stepped up my training with weightlifting and running.
“I am fitter now than when I joined three years ago.”
Brad now works as an industrial firefighter and site protection officer at Falck Fire Services UK and is on-call in his free time.
Since joining the Service, Brad has been called out to tackle a variety of fires but said one of the best parts of the job is meeting new people and inspiring youngsters.
“I love working for the Service,” he said.
“The thing I enjoy most is meeting new people.
“Everyone I have met in the Service has been lovely and it’s a great place to work.”
He continued: “I like all aspects of the job, but I particularly enjoy helping people and getting involved in the community.
“Being a firefighter is really rewarding, and you have real job satisfaction by getting to test yourself and challenge yourself every day.”
The keen golfer who is involved in the Service golf society, urged anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter to apply.
“My mam and dad love that I am an on-call firefighter and they know how passionate I am about the Service,” Brad said.
“It’s ideal if you have a part time job as it gives you the opportunity to gain experience and life skills, as well as making some extra money in your spare time.
“My advice would be to just go for it!”
CDDFRS is recruiting on-call firefighters, with a particular need in Stanhope, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, High Handenhold, Crook, Sedgefield, and Durham.
Applicants must live or work within five minutes of a fire station and only individuals aged 17 years and six months or older are eligible to apply.
The role is paid and successful candidates will receive intensive training before taking on the role.
On-call firefighters commit to around 60-80 hours per week and attend weekly drill nights at their assigned fire station to hone their skills.
The full list of stations and their drill nights can be found on the Service website here.
Applications for the role are open now. Click here to apply.
