Watch Manager and Lead Core Trainer Matt Potter.
Matt Potter was a talented young footballer who played against a teenage Wayne Rooney.
But while an injury put paid to Matt’s dream of a professional career, he’s certainly left his mark on generations of firefighters through his role as Lead Core Trainer with our Service.
In fact, the Watch Manager is so committed to his job, that he makes a 200-mile round trip to work each day from his home in Dewsbury in West Yorkshire to our Service Training Centre in Durham.
“I wanted to be a footballer and played at a decent standard both locally and nationally, but through a few injuries and setbacks I wasn't able to take this further,” Matt said.
“When I was around 15, my football team played against the team Wayne Rooney played for.
“We lost 8-1 and he got all eight goals - even though he was two years younger than us!”
Matt went onto enjoy a career working in Europe and the Middle East building super yachts for the rich and famous.
During that time, he lived and worked in countries including Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
The 41-year-old even grafted on the Mirabella 5, which, at the time, had the tallest mast in the world.
But, in 2007, Matt found his true calling when he became a firefighter with our Service based at Newton Aycliffe Fire Station.
Now he is our Lead Core Trainer devoted to teaching and developing the skills of our firefighters across the Service.
“Being an instructor allows me to influence how the Service plans for training and development, which gives me a great sense of pride and achievement,” Matt said.
“I am the lead for the Service’s working at height, confined space and rope rescue training and development.
“This means I look into new working practices and equipment to ensure the staff are highly trained and have the most up to date equipment to make them fit for their role.
“I am also an instructor in trauma care, road traffic collision, all aspects of breathing apparatus use and fire craft.
“I love the variety of the job as no two days are the same.”
During his career, Matt was recognised with a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for helping to rescue a person from a collapsing building during a fire, which remains his proudest professional achievement to date.
“CDDFRS is a great service to work for as you are not just a number - you are part of a team,” Matt said.
“The Service has great equipment, facilities and support for both work and home life.
“I am proud to represent such a professional and well-trusted organisation.”
Outside of work, Matt enjoys going on family walks in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife Annie, sons, Oscar and Ethan, and their St Bernard puppy, Walter, who already weighs 70kgs!
