Beyond the Call

Reflections on a Year in Service

In our end of year review, Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel sat down with Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sarah Nattrass, Manchester Central Station Manager Dan Brown and Initial Training Mentor Lauren Quigley to reflect on a busy year for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. They revisit major incidents, share learning points, and celebrate the resilience and spirit of the service - whilst also looking ahead to 2026.

 

Tackling and Preventing Wildfires

GMFRS Station Managers Martin Cain and Russell Maden are joined by Kate Hanley from the RSPB at Dovestone Reservoir, as they explore the issue of wildfires in Greater Manchester. From causes and community impacts to peatland restoration and multi-agency response, this episode highlights how prevention, education, and collaboration are protecting landscapes, wildlife, and local communities in a changing climate.

Our Armed Forces Network - Part 2

Part 2 of the conversation between Andy Williams, JP Helliwell and Gaz Houldsworth about the shared values and experiences that connect the armed forces and the fire service. The guests open up about their own lived experiences: from Andy’s service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gaz’s time as a paratrooper and his family ties to GMFRS, to JP’s dual career as a firefighter and reservist.

A warning that this episode contains a reference to suicide, as part of a discussion about mental health and trauma.

Our Armed Forces Network - Part 1

Crew Manager Andy Williams is joined by his GMFRS colleagues and fellow veterans JP Helliwell and Gaz Houldsworth to explore the strong links between the armed forces and the fire service. Recorded at the Spearhead Foundation in Salford, the trio discuss military transitions, mental resilience, and the power of peer support through the GMFRS Armed Forces Network.