Name: Shaun Coltress
Job: Control Officer
Joined: April 2009
I joined the Brigade in April 2009 and so far it has proved to be a great career choice.
Before joining Control as a qualified officer, I took a ten week training course which required a degree of home study and revision and during which I was regularly assessed to measure my progress. I was also shadowed by an experienced control officer for the period of ten shifts before I was allowed to take any calls unsupervised. Right from the beginning I was supported by my fellow colleagues, and what is really great about working in Control is that you are never alone and there are always other control officers who can assist you if required.
Working in Control can be challenging but very rewarding. Some might think that answering 999 calls doesn’t require many skills, but it is a very responsible job that requires a good deal of attention to detail and self-control to deal with the delicate situations the people on the other end of the phone might be faced with.
Being a control officer is not just about taking 999 calls, however. We are also responsible for mobilising the Brigade’s resources which means it’s our responsibility to ensure that the right fire appliances are mobilised to each incident, from fires and collapsed buildings to floods and people trapped in vehicles. Also, we work closely with other key agencies such as the police, ambulance and gas authorities to resolve various incidents that happen across London.
Working in the Brigade’s control centre has always been something I wanted to do. No day is ever the same and it feels great working for one of the most recognised employers in London and worldwide.
