From A-Level student to on-call firefighter – Mya Malthouse is making her family proud in her new role with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
The 20-year-old had always aspired to become a firefighter and so leapt at the chance to apply for a frontline role with the Service.
Mya began training in September 2024 and responds to incidents from Durham Fire Station.
“I have always wanted to be a firefighter because I like helping people,” Mya said.
“After speaking to people in the Service, they recommended that I start out as an on-call firefighter to gain some experience.
“So, I applied and passed the online tests and then went to Consett Fire Station and did the role-related tests.
“I passed those and then started training during drill nights at Durham Fire Station which I am really enjoying.”
Mya fits in her on-call role alongside her job as a sales assistant at Next and has ambitions to follow in the footsteps of her firefighter partner Ethan Hall by becoming a wholetime firefighter.
“My mam is really proud I have joined the Service as it is something that she always wanted to do as well,” Mya said.
“I am the first person in my family to become a firefighter and they are really supportive.”
Mya, who was a former gymnast, said keeping fit is an essential part of the job and enjoys cardio and weight training in the gym.
As the Service looks to recruit more on-call firefighters she urged people to apply.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about applying to go for it,” Mya said.
“Everyone has been really supportive since I joined.”
Being an on-call firefighter means you are 'on call' to respond to a range of emergencies.
You can still continue to do your everyday job, but when the call comes, you will become a professional firefighter.
If you live or work within five minutes of a fire station and you want to join us as an on-call firefighter, you can register your interest and find out more about the role here.
