A new start after 60: I was hoping for a quiet retirement – but instead I became a firefighter

Miller was unsure about the level of commitment and training required, while his partner, Heidi, wasn’t keen on the danger it might involve. Yet, as the Covid lockdowns were enforced, Miller realised that volunteering would be a good way to become a part of the community. He signed up to train as an external firefighter, which meant he only tackled blazes from outside the burning structures rather than potentially running inside buildings to rescue people. He was soon ready to respond to emergencies, and given a uniform, helmet and pager.