Volunteers’ Week spotlight: Firefighter Casey O'Brien continues to inspire young people through volunteering

From volunteering to serving communities across Scotland, Casey O’Brien’s journey with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has come full circle.

Casey is the first Methil Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) member to take his place among the ranks of professional firefighters within the Service and achieved his ambition of becoming a firefighter last year after first joining the YVS as a teenager.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we are celebrating the contribution volunteers make to the communities we serve.

Casey’s story also reflects this year’s Volunteers’ Week Power of Youth Day on Tuesday, 2 June, which recognises the positive impact young people have through volunteering in communities across Scotland.

Now a firefighter at Lochgelly Community Fire Station, Casey continues to give back by volunteering as an instructor in YVS Methil, supporting and inspiring young people currently taking part in the programme.

During his time in YVS, he developed teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills that would later support him during firefighter training.

While Casey went on to become a firefighter, the YVS, which operates across Scotland, gives young people the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and support their local communities, regardless of career ambitions.

Reflecting on his experience, the 22-year-old said: “Being part of the YVS gave me a proper insight into the Service.

“I got to meet crews, community safety teams, and people in the community. It confirmed that this was the path I wanted to take.”

As well as supporting young people, YVS relies on the dedication of adult instructors who give up their time to mentor.

Community Safety Advocate Evelyn Taylor, who was also Casey’s mentor on the YVS, said his journey shows exactly why the scheme matters.

Evelyn said: “Casey always showed determination and a real willingness to learn.

“He supported others, pushed himself and never lost sight of his goal.”

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we are celebrating the contribution volunteers make to the communities we serve.

Casey’s story also reflects this year’s Volunteers’ Week Power of Youth Day on Tuesday, 2 June, which recognises the positive impact young people have through volunteering in communities across Scotland.

The celebration of volunteering also comes ahead of the first national Youth Volunteer Games later this year, which will bring together YVS groups from across Scotland for a day of teamwork, skills and friendly competition at the SFRS’s National Training Centre in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire.

For many young people like Casey, the event will be another reminder of how the scheme can create confidence, friendship and opportunities that can last a lifetime.

To find out more about the YVS and opportunities to get involved, visit the SFRS website.