Name: Heidi Penhallow
Job: Firefighter at Woolwich Fire Station
Joined: March 2004
After leaving school I did a variety of things from housekeeping, voluntary work to bar work and waitressing. I travelled the world and most importantly raised a daughter alone.
I applied to become a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade because I wanted a challenging job that also provided good career progression. And being a single parent, the working arrangements allow flexibility to plan home arrangements well in advance.
This job also gives me the opportunity to work within the community to create better fire safety awareness. I work on two projects designed to educate young people about fire safety and reduce fire related crime.
I also have to be fit so this gives me a goal to maintain my strength and fitness which is really important to me.
The best bit about my job is the variety of things I may have to do when I’m on duty – there is no typical working week in the London Fire Brigade. I love the training, the people and getting to drive a fire engine!
As far as my career in the future goes, I see myself working in a variety of jobs in different departments, not just on a fire station. I will also try for promotion and continue to work on any community projects that come my way.
