“A new way to serve”: Jamie’s journey to the fire and rescue service
After 14 years in the Army, Jamie Cougan made the leap into the fire and rescue service and found a new sense of purpose in a familiar uniform.
When Jamie Cougan left the British Army after 14 years, he faced a tough question many service leavers ask: what’s next?
For Jamie, the answer came in the form of a fire engine, a new uniform, and a fresh way to serve his community.
Now a firefighter at Falkirk Community Fire Station and an on call firefighter in his hometown of Whitburn, West Lothian, Jamie is encouraging others, especially those with military backgrounds to consider following his path.
He said: “I always wanted to keep helping people. The fire service gave me the purpose, the structure, and teamwork I missed when I left the Army.”
Jamie joined the Army at just 16 years old and went on to serve all over the world.
He completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and later became an instructor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, England, training new recruits in leadership, fitness and military skills.
But after more than a decade of military life, he knew it was time for a new challenge.
Jamie, 37, said: “Leaving the military wasn’t easy. I missed the lifestyle, the team environment, and having a clear purpose.”
He briefly worked in the chemical industry but knew something was missing.
When he saw an opportunity to join the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), he jumped at it and hasn’t looked back.
After completing 14 weeks of training at the National Training Centre in Cambuslang in 2021, Jamie began his career at Alloa Community Fire Station, where he served for over two years before transferring to Falkirk. At the same time, he became an on-call firefighter at Whitburn Community Fire Station, the same station he passed every day as a child.
Jamie reminisced: “Everything about the fire service life felt familiar. It was like coming home.”
From discipline and physical fitness to confidence under pressure and leadership, Jamie found his Army experience gave him solid foundation for firefighting.
Jamie added: “The practical tests and team elements of the recruitment process felt natural. I was in my element.
“If you’ve been in the military or another uniformed service, so much of what you’ve learned applies.
“You just need to sell those skills in your application.”
In addition to his duties as a firefighter, Jamie also serves as a wellbeing champion for the Falkirk and West Lothian area, providing support to his colleagues throughout the Service.
The wellbeing champion initiative within SFRS is focused on fostering positive mental health and offering confidential assistance to those in need.
If you’ve been in the military or another uniformed service, so much of what you’ve learned applies. You need to sell those skills in your application.
You can spot wellbeing champions by their green lanyards, one Jamie wears with pride.
He added: “There are a lot of people from military backgrounds in the fire service.
“I know how tough that transition can be, so I want to be there for others who are going through it.”
At home, Jamie’s life is just as full. He and his wife Ruth have three children, Charlize (14), Jamie (6), and the youngest Leo (4), who take great pride in their dad’s role.
He said: “My kids have visited the station, they’ve seen the gear, and they’re always telling people their dad’s a firefighter.”
In his spare time, Jamie loves spending quality time with his family, whether it's swimming, playing football, or enjoying outdoor activities and staying active.
For anyone thinking about a career change after military service, Jamie has a clear message: ”Do your research, be honest about your strengths, and don’t give up if you don’t get in the first time.
“This job gives you a work-life balance, a strong team, and a real sense of purpose.
“It’s more than a job, it’s a career that matters.”
Thinking about a new way to serve? Your next chapter could start here.
Visit our website to find out more.