LFB 2022 - Two Year Story

[Cristina T]

I still cannot believe I am writing this. This is the story of my 2-year journey with LFB recruitment.  
A long journey, but also one that I never thought to give up on. Determination (and a lot of patience) pays off.

It’s worth saying that I first applied with LFB in 2019 and failed at the interview stage.   
I also tried with Gloucestershire FRS in 2021, but didn’t make it through. I was living in Gloucestershire back then and it was worth giving it a try.

So, in February 2020 the outreach contacted me and I renewed my interest to join LFB. March 2020 the world went into lockdown. And my application, as with many others, was paused. In July 2020 I received the invitation for the interview. I finally passed the interview and in August I went to do the modified gym based fitness tests. I passed the tests and progressed to the medicals.  
I wear glasses and this slowed the process down. Then November lockdown happened which slowed the things a bit more.  
In the meanwhile, my vision was deemed suitable for the role (I am short-sighted). And so in December 2020 I was contacted to go to City Sight University to have my glasses ordered. 
And then another let down - the third lockdown happened, my application was paused again. The application regressed to the fitness tests.  
In all fairness, this was heartbreaking. My glasses were ready, but I just didn’t make it through on time. 
 
Fast forward to July 2021. I received a call from LFB where I was told that recruitment was resuming. I wasn’t expecting it to happen that ‘soon’ because the January email was saying 1+ year of stop for recruitment. That was a fantastic day. 
September and October I did the fitness tests and then medicals. 
I had to wait quite a bit to progress, again due to my eyes vision.  
 
Finally, a few days ago I received the call I was waiting for the past 2 years. I will be starting my training course on the 9th of May. 
 
For anyone reading, going through the same process: never give up. It is a trying process, sometimes frustrating, and endless at times. But I’m sure that it will pay off. It is so relieving to receive the call with good news and a start date. 
 
For people wearing glasses (short-sightedness) - if you have questions or doubts and need help, reach out! I can share my experience with you and I’m happy to help if I can. I’ve just come out from the Aid to Vision (glasses) examination so it’s a fresh experience too! 
 
And one thing to say. I have been reading and browsing this forum for 1 year. I have been learning a lot and it has definitely helped me. So I’m truly grateful for it. Thank you. 

Cristina

[Messyshaw]

Fantastic news and very well done for hanging in there despite all the setbacks 

I hope you will stay on the site and between studying, share your experiences of training school, your new station and maybe your first BA wear. 

But most of all, enjoy every second and if you can be bothered, keep a diary or list of jobs you attend. I really regret that I didnt do that 👍

[Cristina T]

Thank you! I will definitely stay active on the site.  
And for the dairy, I’ll keep it in mind and will try my best to write it all down!

[Rory-495]

Fantastic news and a great story!  Please do consider a blog on here to give an updated description of LFB training! Look forward to seeing you at Park Royal for your real fire training 

[Mike]

Quite a journey, well done for sticking it out, you're going to love it.

Aswell as Rory, I will probably see you at Plaistow or Harrow in the coming weeks. Enjoy your training! 

[Luminoki]

Love these stories. Well done

[Noddy]

Well done 

[Carl]

Well done @Cristina T. Another good story and shows that never giving up pays off. Congratulations

[TrainHardFightEasy]

Well done & enjoy your new career. 

[Toffer]

Well done, training school can be hard work but it's all worth it in the end!!

[WayneHealey]

Well done & congratulations Christina! Great resilience to keep pushing and never give up!  Remember that when it becomes tough during your initial Phase 1 training and for the rest of your career and you will be absolutely fine.  Welcome to the the LFB!  

[Jon]

Congrat's, Crisitina

[Andy1]

@Cristina T congratulations! Determination and perseverance is the key to success with any firefighter application so well done  

[DannyB]

Took me 19 years of applying for LFB to get in. Always fell at the interview or roll play!