Vehicle Body and Equipment Technician Emily Tokell.
If you ever see one of our fire engines out in the community, it’s likely that Emily Tokell has worked hard to make it road ready.
The 23-year-old is the Service’s Vehicle Body and Equipment Technician who helps to maintain our fleet of engines and vehicles to ensure they can respond to an incident.
Emily, from Seaham, joined the Service three years ago as an apprentice Damage Panel Technician and secured her current role earlier this year.
“From leaving school I’ve always worked,” Emily said.
“I started off in a local takeaway whilst doing a football scholarship with Sunderland AFC.
“Soon after I went to work at The Range whilst I thought about what I wanted to do as a full-time career.
“I then applied for the Level 3 Damage Panel with CDDFRS and am very proud to have completed it and then be offered a full-time position with the Service.
“I’ve always wanted to have a hands-on type of job, so my role is ideal it sees me complete a variety of jobs - from painting to repair and maintenance of the fleet.”
Emily, who enjoys playing football for Seaham Coast in her spare time, said she is always proud to see the fire engines she maintains out helping people in the community.
“Working for the Service is like being part of a big family,” she said.
“I’ve always felt a real sense of pride for working for CDDFRS, so I hope to have a long-term career with the Service.
“I live in County Durham, so I get to appreciate any work I’ve done when I see any of our fleet helping the community!”
