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Family Tradition Fuels Cambridgeshire Fire Service
By Drooid · · How we work
Family Legacy in the Cambridgeshire Fire Service
Philip Gould, a 59-year-old firefighter from Peterborough, has spent more than two decades serving the Cambridgeshire fire service, having joined in 1995 and now working on-call. Over the years, his immediate family has followed his example: both of his daughters, his brother, and his nephew have entered the same profession, turning firefighting into a multigenerational vocation. The most recent addition is his daughter Alex, 28, who has started on-call duties at Thorney Fire Station alongside her father. Gould describes the experience as “immensely proud,” noting that the shared career has strengthened family bonds and provided a clear sense of purpose.
Background of On-Call Firefighting in Peterborough
The Cambridgeshire fire service relies on a mix of full-time and on-call personnel to respond to emergencies across the county. On-call firefighters, such as Alex Gould, are trained to the same standards as full-time staff but are called to duty only when incidents arise. This model allows the service to maintain coverage in both urban and rural areas while offering community members a pathway to serve without a permanent shift schedule.
Key Figures
- Philip Gould – Peterborough firefighter, on-call since 1995, father of two daughters and uncle to a nephew now serving in the same force.
- Alex Gould – 28-year-old daughter of Philip, newly appointed on-call firefighter at Thorney Fire Station.
- Unnamed brother and nephew – Both have joined the Cambridgeshire fire service, completing the family’s representation within the department.
Impact on Family and Community
The Gould family’s collective involvement has fostered a close-knit dynamic, with members describing the shared profession as “surreal” and a source of mutual pride. Their presence across multiple stations illustrates how familial ties can reinforce recruitment and retention within local emergency services, offering a relatable example of community-based public safety.