Elouise, a mum of two and stepmom of three, is calling on residents across the Weald and mid-Kent to join her as an on-call firefighter for the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS). Balancing her firefighting role with a career in the NHS, Elouise is urging others to seize the opportunity before applications close this Sunday, November 3.
A member of KFRS for three years, Elouise covers on-call shifts around her nursing role, family commitments, and social life. Her experience in the NHS provides her with skills like care and compassion, which she says have made her a valued part of the Cranbrook fire station crew.
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“I love helping people,” Elouise shared. “My skills from the NHS are so useful when I’m on an incident, and I’ve learned so much from being a firefighter. My crew all come from different backgrounds, and we bring unique skills to each situation. Together, we make a strong team.”
Training takes place weekly at Cranbrook Fire Station, covering water rescues, HGV driving, working at heights, and breathing apparatus training. Elouise, who was inspired by her father’s 15-year service as an on-call firefighter, recalls watching him respond to emergencies as a child and aspired to follow in his footsteps.
Flexibility is key in the on-call role, allowing Elouise to fit her shifts around her busy life. “I usually opt for a mix of day and night cover from Friday to Sunday. When my pager goes off, I head to the station, and we’re out on the fire engine within five minutes,” she said.
Applications are open for nine stations across mid-Kent, including Cranbrook, Charing, and Hawkhurst. KFRS Group Manager James Kirk emphasized the role’s adaptability: “This role can fit around work, family, and personal life. It’s rewarding, and you’ll enjoy benefits like generous leave, flexible hours, and Blue Light Card discounts.”
For those ready to make a difference, KFRS invites applicants to join by November 3.
