Answering the Call Before the Siren Sounds begins long before a fire brigade uniform is worn. As young people take action in their communities through volunteering they begin to build the skills, confidence and sense of service that can shape a future in the fire service.
Can a young person’s volunteering journey help ignite a future career in the fire service? At Localise, we believe the answer is yes and we are beginning to see how.
MyVP, the National Youth Volunteering Portfolio, was designed to recognise, support and celebrate the contributions young people make in their communities. It captures far more than volunteering activities. It tells the story of growth, responsibility, teamwork and commitment. These are the very qualities that are essential in professions where trust, courage and service matter most.
That is why we are working closely with Dublin Fire Brigade to explore how MyVP can support young people who aspire to careers in the emergency services. This partnership reflects a shared belief that being of service to your local community from a young age builds the foundations for a lifetime of public service.
As part of this pilot phase, a recent visit from Tara Street Fire Station to St Paul’s CBS on North Brunswick Street brought this idea to life. Firefighters met students, shared their experiences and spoke about the realities of the job. It was not just about fire engines or emergency calls. It was about teamwork under pressure, clear communication, resilience and a strong sense of duty. These are all attributes revealed through youth volunteerism, that MyVP helps to document.
Through grassroot volunteering, young people often encounter real world situations where they must step up, support others and take responsibility. MyVP captures these moments and turns them into meaningful evidence of character and capability.
What makes this work especially exciting is its innovative nature. This is an early stage collaboration that is testing new ways of connecting youth volunteering with career pathways. It is about recognising that learning does not only happen in classrooms. It happens in communities, through action and service.
The partnership approach also ensures that the voices of both young people and the fire service are central. By working together, we can better understand how volunteering experiences translate into the skills and mindset required for emergency service roles.
For young people, this opens up new possibilities. MyVP becomes more than a record. It becomes a bridge between who they are today and who they can become. For organisations like Dublin Fire Brigade, it offers a fresh perspective on identifying potential, looking beyond traditional measures to see the full picture of a candidate.
While this initative is very much in its infancy, one thing is clear. When young people are given the opportunity to serve, grow and reflect on their experiences, they are already taking steps towards careers that make a difference.
At Localise, we are proud to be exploring this pathway. The journey from volunteering to the fire service may just begin with a spark, but with the right support, it can grow into something powerful.
We were delighted to welcome back former Brunner student Chief Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer, along with District Fire Officer John Reilly and Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Cleary, whose presence made the occasion all the more meaningful. Their time, insight, and willingness to share their experiences added a real sense of connection and inspiration.
We were also very grateful to be joined by Emergency Service Controller Nicole Walsh, whose participation further enriched the event.
Stories from across the Localise community.
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