Hear from our wholetime firefighters

“It really is true that no two days are the same when you work in the Fire Service. we never know what kind of emergency we will be attending until the bells ring at the station."

Matt Brand, 45, is a Crew Commander currently working within the National Operational Guidance Implementation Team. Matt started his career with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2017 and spent four years working at Rugby Station. Matt previously worked in the hospitality and catering industry and was considering a change in career. A friend suggested he consider applying for a Firefighter role, and after some deliberation he took the plunge and applied.

Read more of Matthew's story

“Everything about the role hugely appealed to me - from working closely within a professional team to the sense of pride that I get serving the Warwickshire community. Being a part of something much bigger than myself is hugely rewarding.”


Stephen Balestrini officially started as a wholetime firefighter at Rugby Fire Station in April at age 32. The move followed a big decision to change his career from an office job.

Read more of Stephen's story