Firefighter Matt Hill holding the progress rainbow flag with the ECFRS crest in the centre. Matt is waering a firefighter helmet and standing in front of a fire engine.

Being a gay firefighter in Essex

"Exciting, challenging and rewarding,” says Essex Firefighter Matt Hill, when asked to describe what it’s like to do his job.

In a profession that’s often full of out-dated stereotypes, Matt, an openly gay firefighter, is breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.

Matt is based at Southend Fire Station and is keen to spread the message that being open about who you are isn’t a tick box exercise; it’s just being your authentic self while getting to know your colleagues.

With organisations across the county regularly rolling out rainbow flags, pockets of the community can begin to question how authentic it is. But Matt is clear Essex County Fire and Rescue Service understands the importance of diversity, particularly in sharing recruitment messages.

“I guess there’s an apprehension when you come into a different workplace with a different group of people,” said Matt. ”But I was open straight away. Because you just instantly want to get to know each other, so you talk about home and those kinds of things. It was kind of natural and just came up in conversation very quickly.”

Matt, who won the 2022 Excellence in Fire and Emergency Award for Most Influential LGBTQ+ Individual in Fire, says when openly discussing his personal life with his colleagues he has been met with kindness and acceptance.

“I definitely think there is a stereotype that firefighters are this macho man’s man, and if you looked at a crew who were just guys you could think that could be true. But as long as you can do the job and you’re listening and you’re putting some effort in I don’t think it would ever really matter who you are.“

“And there’s nuance in every person that you meet. Actually some of them are interested in cooking, or different sports, or have got kids or different families. So you’ve instantly got a diversity within that anyway. And then the way that they behave is very different, and the way that they carry themselves is very different.”

BEING: our LGBTQ+ network

“I’ve been involved with our LGBTQ+ network for a number of years now because we underestimate the power of just being visible in a community.

“We need diversity of thought and we want people with different life experiences to bring that into our organisation. Our LGBTQ+ network really supports the drive of that change within our service, and supports people that do identify as LGBTQ+ - this is somewhere that they can feel comfortable.

“When the rainbow flag went up with our crest on it at our headquarters it was a real pivotal moment for me. You feel that you can be your authentic self at work. It just makes me feel really proud.”

Firefighter Matt Hill standing in front of a fire engine

Matt began his career in the fire service almost ten years ago, initially working in the prevention department. Despite enjoying his role, Matt wanted a change, craving hands-on experience and an opportunity to serve the community in a different way. Moving to the operational side of the service allowed him to make a difference while engaging directly with the community he serves.

But moving to the front line was not without its concerns for Matt.

“I’ve never had a job that’s been particularly practical so I knew that I would need to learn lots of new skills,” said Matt. “But the way the training was delivered was done so well that I felt like I could pick up things as we did them. So those apprehensions were put to bed quite early and I felt quite at ease quite quickly. And now I’m on station learning more of the practical firefighter way of doing things. I felt like it’s been a journey and I’m still on it.“

Matt says every day is different. Shifts can include anything from being called to a range of different types of incidents, training, community visits and checking equipment.

“You’re constantly on the go and thinking about new stuff which is really good.”

With wholetime applications open until September 2023, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging anyone interested in the role to find out more. As one of the Service’s newest recruits, Matt is keen to share his advice.

“On the lead up to my physical assessment I was doing loads of cardio because I wanted to make sure I was comfortable in doing different elements of the fitness test,” said Matt. “I bought some weights because I’ve never really been to the gym or done anything like that. And it’s because I wanted to not struggle; I wanted to feel comfortable.

“If you feel comfortable pop down to your local station to say hello and ask them for advice and tips. They’ll be welcoming and want to help you out as best they can.”