1. What made you want to become a rep?
I was asked regularly to become a women's rep and every time I declined. I had no interest in being a face of a trade union until around five to six years ago. There was an issue within the brigade, I felt I was treated unfairly. Although the eventual outcome was as I'd expect, the way it went through truly affected me, so by becoming a rep, I want to be able to support others and ensure they are treated fairly.
2. What is your proudest moment as a rep?
I don't really have any particular moments. Being a rep isn't about me and what I do. I see it as a collective effort where we all work to get the best results for our members.
3. Who are your ultimate heroes?
No ultimate heroes as such, but my family and childhood friend (you know who you are) gave me the drive I have today. They made me push myself to become better and prove wrong those who didn't see my potential.
4. Describe yourself in three words.
(Brutally) honest, determined, stubborn (although I'm working on that).
5. What was the last conversation you had that made you think differently about something?
I have these conversations regularly on my watch. Whether in training, incidents or around the mess table, I am open to challenging conversations and, often, firefighters will make me think differently.
6. What’s your favourite band or musician?
I love all sorts of music and throughout my childhood there was various Bon Jovi and Guns N Roses being blasted out of my boombox. But one of my all-time greatest bands has to be Runrig, and I was devastated when they retired a few years back.
7. If you weren’t a firefighter, what would you be?
I joined the army at 19 and then the fire service at 32. Both times my “back up plan” was the police so I guess that!
8. If you could travel back or forward in time, where and when would you travel to and why?
1999 – After leaving the Army, I did various jobs for seven or eight years and always wished I had joined the fire service sooner… but only knowing what I know now!
