1. What made you want to become a rep?
My whole family were involved in trade unionism and, as a consequence, I was brought up to challenge. Just because somebody says something is right doesn’t make it so. Firefighters make a difference to outcomes daily, often placing themselves last with regards to their own needs. Having witnessed acts of pure humanity and bravery, there is no greater reward than to be a voice for firefighters and to be there when they need help.
2. What is your proudest moment as a rep?
There is no one moment, there are huge highs and lows often. I am always proud of what we can achieve when we truly come together.
3. Who is your ultimate hero?
Ross Laugher, I was incredibly privileged to be mentored by Ross throughout my life and I view him as the father I never had. A devout socialist, educator and activist, he has helped so many people and continues to challenge injustice. I will forever be in his debt and love him dearly.
4. Describe yourself in three words.
Creative, agile and objective.
5. What was the last conversation you had that made you think differently about something?
Working in London I have daily conversations that make me challenge my thinking. It is only through open and sometimes painful conversations that we can truly understand one another and evolve collectively.
6. Which TV show could you not live without? – or – What’s your favourite band or musician?
I rarely watch mainstream television and quite frankly I can live without it, but music, well that’s completely different. As a musician, I have endless musical influences, some big names for me though would be Pink Floyd, Big Country, Sex Pistols, U2, The Clash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, City and Colour, RATM, Alexis on Fire, Billie Marten, Katie Pruitt, Ray Lamontagne, Eddie Vedder, Placebo, Bears Den, Rise against, Michael Kiwanuka, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender, Hendrix, Angus and Julia Stone and on it goes. My favourite musician though is John Frusciante he has been a huge inspiration to me.
7. If you weren’t a firefighter, what would you be?
Retired and volunteering to help others.
8. If you could travel back or forward in time, where and when would you travel to and why?
Knowing what we know now, I’d travel back to get the DECON message out there and likely save many firefighters’ lives.
