Dave Turner, regional education and learning organiser and treasurer for the South East region, brigade organiser for Kent, and branch secretary for Herne Bay
1. What made you want to become a rep?
I attended my first FBU rally in 2013 in London on the pensions dispute which inspired me to do more as a trade unionist. Then, after joining the wholetime in 2014, our station rep retired so I became the branch rep on station and after doing this for two years I became brigade organiser which has now led me to become a regional official which is, to this day, one of the best moments in my career.
2. What is your proudest achievement as a rep?
My proudest moment as a rep has got to be the pensions victory, and all the work that went in from the brigade officials in my service keeping all of our members safe during the Covid 19 pandemic.
3. Who is your ultimate hero?
My hero is former footballer Ian Wright and obviously the legend that is national officer Tam McFarlane! (Safer, Stronger, Together). Get well soon Tam!
4. Describe yourself in three words.
Caring. Loyal. Hardworking.
5. What was the last conversation you had that made you think differently about something?
I had a conversation with someone on the recent FBU neurodiversity course who felt that they had let their child down because of not knowing a lot about neurodiverse people. It made me think the same and I questioned myself. The education I received on that course has made me think differently about how I can support others in a positive way.
6. Which TV show could you not live without – and/or – What’s your favourite band/musician?
Match of the Day and Gogglebox. Favourite band is Queen, favourite song Don’t Stop Me Now.
7. If you weren’t a firefighter, what would you be?
Kit man at my beloved Arsenal football club.
8. If you could travel back or forward in time, where and when would you travel to and why?
I would go back in time to all those people I’ve lost out of my life to have one last conversation with them, especially my grandparents, so they could meet their great granddaughters Evie and Lois
