Perthshire Watch Commander challenges firefighter stereotypes as she urges more women to apply

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A Perthshire firefighter is speaking out against outdated stereotypes of her job as she encourages more women to consider joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Ahead of a national recruitment drive, Watch Commander Frankie Shepherd, who leads a team at Perth Community Fire Station, worries that assumptions about who fits the role may still discourage some women from applying.

She said: “The realities of the job are often misunderstood.

“There can still be assumptions about who a firefighter should be. But when you need help, you don’t care who turns up.

“You care that they’re trained, capable and ready to do the job.

Frankie, 32, joined the SFRS in 2015 as an on call firefighter in Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross. Her first attempt to secure a wholetime role was unsuccessful, something she now sees as part of her development.

Frankie said: “A lot of people don’t get it first time, and that doesn’t mean it’s not for you.

“You just need to keep building experience and go again.”

In 2018, she secured her wholetime post at Perth Community Fire Station, later progressing through the ranks to Watch Commander and Local Area Liaison Officer. Her responsibilities now extend beyond emergency response to prevention and education work across the community.

She said: “It’s so much more than fires.

“You’re training constantly, doing home fire safety visit, working with schools and supporting vulnerable people.”

Frankie, who is originally from Whitchurch in Shropshire, is open about comments she has heard regarding women in operational roles.

She said: “You hear people say they wouldn’t want to be rescues by women. But if you’re being rescued, you won’t care.

“You just care that the person is trained and competent.

“I work with some of the best firefighters I’ve ever known and many of them are women.”

She credits mentors and supportive colleagues with helping her progress into leadership, admitting confidence did not always come easily.

She said: “Competence breeds confidence. I worked hard, volunteered for everything and pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

“If you make mistakes, you learn and go again.”

Outside the Service, she trains several nights a week and plays competitive football for St Johnstone Women’s FC.

She said: “The team work that defines both roles is what keeps me motivated.

“Being part of a football team is really similar to being on a shift at the fire station.

“You rely on each other, trust each other and you work for the team.”

Her message to anyone considering applying, particularly women, is straightforward.

Frankie said: “Put yourself in a position to find out if this job is for you.

“You won’t lose anything by trying. Go visit your local station, ask questions and prepare yourself.

“Strength matters, but so does empathy, teamwork, and communication. It’s a huge, varied job and there’s space for all kinds of people.”

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds who are committed, resilient, and motivated to serve the communities of Scotland.

“Whether you are interested in frontline operational response, prevention work, or developing into specialist roles, the Service provides pathways, professional training and ongoing support to help you build a long-term career.

“Our firefighters attend some of the most challenging incidents, but they also play a vital role in educating communities, reducing risk and keeping people safe.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to find out more about what the role involves and take that first step.”

Recruitment for wholetime firefighter in the SFRS opens Tuesday, 24 March at 12.30pm until Friday, 27 March at 12.30pm. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Service website.