Dad and daughter become Derbyshire’s first ever fire-fighting family duo

Zoe Mears, 20, has completed her firefighting training and will now work as a recruit alongside her father Rob, 52, for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS). In doing so, they have become the first ever father and daughter serving firefighters in the county.

It’s a fitting fate given Rob was wearing his uniform when he first held his daughter. Zoe was six weeks premature and the early surprise meant the new dad had to dash to hospital in his DFRS apparel.

Zoe said: “My dad has been a firefighter for as long as I can remember, and he is a massive inspiration to me.

“My dad is a Watch Manager in Chesterfield, he has been a firefighter all my life. He has been my rock."

Rob has been a firefighter for more than 20 years since joining the service in 1998, at Chesterfield station.

Zoe, who was photographed on the back of a fire engine carousel ride as a two-year-old girl, added: “I owe my dad so much and can’t thank him enough for everything he does for me.

“I am looking forward to getting in the station and being able to help people and make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

She has also passed her LGV (large good vehicle) test - making her one of the youngest women to ever qualify to drive a fire engine.

Zoe’s first application to join the service in 2018 was unsuccessful but, determined to follow her dream, she gained more experience before making it to the next stage.

She was inspired to become a full-time firefighter when Rob was presented with his 20 Year Queen’s First Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

Zoe said: “I’m a really caring person and have always wanted to help people, and be in a career I was proud of, where I could give something back to the community whilst still getting a buzz from doing it.

“Becoming a firefighter ticked all of those boxes for me.”