West Sussex’s first female firefighter hangs up her hose after 30 years

Samantha Evans from Rustington, who has been based at Littlehampton fire station since 2015, joined the service in December 1990, aged 23.

The mother-of-three said she was already used to working predominantly around men after five years of employment at an engineering firm, and was not daunted to learn she would be the first woman on the watch.

“I didn’t even really think about it, to me it didn’t make any difference,” she said.

Her first colleagues in Horley were ‘a fairly old school bunch’ who she said treated her just like any new recruit.

She said she had always had ‘a good experience’ in the service – though even now she sometimes gets ‘funny looks’ from members of the public, particularly when driving the fire engine.

Nowadays things have progressed and there are women firefighters based at most stations, she said, adding: “It’s more matter of fact now.”

Media portrayals and the way in which the fire service promotes itself has made the career much more open to women, she said.

After her first four years in Horley, Samantha moved to Horsham fire station where she spent the bulk of her career.

She has attended many notable incidents over the years, including a large fire at a hangar in Gatwick, and taken part in community engagement campaigns.

And while she has had stints in office roles, particularly during her pregnancies, she said her heart was in front line fire fighting.

“That’s the role I really love,” she said. “I’m quite calm under pressure.”

She said she also enjoyed the caring side of the role and was able to use the listening skills she has acquired since becoming a Samaritan a couple of years ago.

After 30 years of service, she said she was ‘gutted’ that coronavirus restrictions have stopped her from having a leaving do at the pub.

The nature of the job meant she was ‘really close’ to her colleagues, and she said: “You’re a team, that’s what’s so special about this job. You know each other really, really well.

“If I go into a burning building with my BA partner, I have to rely on him to be the eyes that I don’t have. You’ve got eachother’s lives in your hands.”

Going forward, the 54-year-old, who lives with her fiancée Paul, will continue to work part time and is interested in pursuing dog training.

Chief Fire Officer, Sabrina Cohen Hatton, said: “Sam is a true pioneer for female firefighters and an inspiration to us all. She well and truly found her calling.

“I was incredibly honoured to present Sam with a Lifetime Achievement Award at our fire service awards earlier this year, because her career with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is something I know that she is incredibly proud of.

“We as a service are equally proud of her and the work she has carried out to help keep her communities safe.

“She has paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps, and I hope that she does not underestimate the impact of the legacy that she leaves behind.”