It is not until your chimney is on fire that you appreciate what a welcome sight nine firefighters can be. Then you realise you recognise some of the faces under the helmets and fire-retardant suits, because they belong to your neighbours and friends, who have turned into heroes.
Our chimney fire was what sparked the idea of taking portraits of the firemen and women of Saxmundham Fire Service. I already knew David, the watch commander, who asked whether I could photograph the whole crew in front of their new fire appliance. I jumped at the chance, and asked if I could take a portrait headshot of each firefighter as well.
I don’t think people always realise that many of those who work for the fire service are retained firefighters with day jobs, just like you or me. They are local members of the community doing an amazing service, and you might not appreciate them fully until you really need them.
That was certainly true for me, and I was grateful for the help Saxmundham Fire Service gave me in my hour of need. The sound of your chimney roaring away like a jet engine is terrifying, and having the crew turn up so quickly was a huge relief. These men and women were completely professional and dealt with the fire fast. Once the commotion had died down, I realised that while I couldn’t put a name to every face, I recognised each of them.
Retained firefighters contribute a great deal, but the right people are hard to recruit and there are simply not enough volunteers. It is the same story up and down the country, with a national shortage of retained firemen and women.
This series of photos celebrates the hard work and dedication of firefighters everywhere, who readily put their lives on the line to protect others.
Watch Commander Dave Kersey
Crew Commander Peter Nicholson, works at Sizewell B
Crew Commander Dan Jay, assistant manager at a fibreglass component factory
Firefighter Jon Ross, works at Sizewell B
Firefighter Trevor Churchyard, commercial vehicle mechanic
Firefighter Jason Naylor-Richards, works at Sizewell B
Firefighter Louis Johnson, site foreman for a groundworks company
Firefighter Mark Lye, manager at Suffolk Coastal Norse
Firefighter Tania Robinson, full time mum
