Stretford firefighter to make Canadian move (From Messenger Newspapers)

Stretford firefighter to make Canadian move

12:00pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

A FIREFIGHTER from Stretford White Watch will swap the streets of Trafford for a career in Canada this month.

Jen Blacker, 35, who lives in Bolton, said: “I have always wanted to move to Canada and because my mum is Canadian I can apply.

“I will have to start again – I’ll do five weeks basic training then I’ll be on a year’s probation. I’m quite nervous, it’s going to be a massive move and I’m still trying to sell my house!
 

“I’m just going to turn up with a rucksack, my bike and my accordion! I’m petrified to be honest but I’m really excited.

“My mum’s brother, sister and cousins live over there so I have family there and my partner is coming with me.
 

Jen will continue her career with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, but has fond memories of her time at Stretford White Watch and Amber Watch.
 

One of her most prominent memories is telling a colleague to ‘get down’ to avoid smoke during a house fire, only to find him at the bottom of the stairs after he had taken her command a little too literally.
 

Stretford station manager, Ben Levy, said: “Jen has, on many occasions proved herself to be a firefighter with the highest standards of skills.
 

He added: “Jen will be missed from Stretford. She has been a key member of the team there for many years and I wish her the very best of luck in her new start in Vancouver.”