That’s what I think firefighting gives me. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, protect the public, experience different roles and responsibilities and meet every section of our community. My job has given me opportunities I could have only dreamt about. As a child growing up in South London, I could never have imagined that one day I would be in 10 Downing Street shaking hands with the Prime Minster. But it did happen, and it happened to me.
Being a firefighter has also given me the opportunity to volunteer for excellent initiatives both inside and outside the Brigade the London Fire Brigade’s open days being a great example. For the past three years I’ve been attending, and encouraging more black and minority ethnic people and women to consider the fire service as a career. Talking to people about how passionate I am about the fire service is easy, and something I really enjoy.
So how did I get to meet the Prime Minster? Well once again it’s down to volunteering. I am currently one of 20 national role models, chosen as part of the government’s Reach programme. The scheme aims to raise the aspirations and attainment of young black men. I’ve travelled all around the country, visiting universities and youth schemes, and talking to senior Government Ministers about the problems young black men face. It is really making a difference in raising the profile of issues like young black men not achieving their potential, and showcasing positive black role models in the media.
I recently visited a school in East London and it was brilliant to see the children really take an interest in becoming a firefighter. They can see that the fire service is a rewarding and positive job. They identify with me because I’ve grown up in their environments and have had a similar cultural background. Hopefully they can also see that by putting in 110 per cent at school they can follow their dreams. I do get asked ‘you must be crazy to risk your life’ which is a common question. I explain that with the training we receive and the dedication and commitment firefighters have, the job is not as dangerous as it might seem.
I have also had the chance to visit Michael Tippett School, which is for children with special educational needs. Learning about all sections of our communities gives firefighters a greater understanding of the best ways to get messages across about fire safety. We’d prefer to save a life by passing on fire safety information than by pulling someone from a burning building.
My family are really proud of the work I do and see all the effort I put in. It is a challenge and I don’t get much free time but it’s definitely worthwhile and I can see the Reach programme really making a difference. What would I say to people reading this?....If I can do it so can you.
Firefighter Richard Reid
For more stories from our BME staff see In Our Own Words (in related documents).
