Wholetime firefighter recruit Abi O’Brien.
She’s a former HGV driver who spent years travelling the world with the RAF.
Now Abi O’Brien is embarking on a new career as a firefighter with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).
The 32-year-old from Consett is one of the Service’s new wholetime firefighter recruits currently undergoing intensive training before she passes out in her new role this Christmas.
“I remember telling my family when I was little that I wanted to be firefighter,” Abi said.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a job where I can help people and be there for them in their sad moments.
“So, when I saw the Service was recruiting firefighters I thought, ‘I can do this.’”
Abi was just 17 when she joined the RAF in 2009 after deciding sixth form wasn’t for her.
During her 10-year military career she drove operational vehicles in places including Bosnia, Cyprus and Estonia.
But craving more stability in her personal life, Abi decided to leave the RAF in 2019 and return home to the North East.
There, she spent the next four years driving HGVs across the region before applying for the fire service.
“I left the RAF as I was stuck in a cycle of never settling or being in one place,” Abi said.
“My brother is a firefighter with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and he encouraged me to apply.
“My family were saying to me, ‘It’s the best job for you. You should do it.’
“They are really proud and pleased that I’m training to become a firefighter - especially my mam and dad with having two kids in the fire service!
“Getting onto a station and having a watch is the bit I am most excited about and having that camaraderie which you don’t get in many jobs outside of the military.”
Abi urged anyone wanting to become a firefighter to work on their fitness.
She said: “I would say start training now and get a personal trainer.
“You need to make fitness part of your lifestyle.”
