DURING April our Humans of Warrington feature will focus on the people who work for Cheshire Fire Service and help to save the lives of countless residents across the town.

Name: Julie Fitzpatrick

Age: 41

Job title: Fire safety inspector

“I joined Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in October 2002 after working for the Department for Work and Pensions since I was 17.

“When I started I was an administration manager looking after Warrington, Stockton Heath and Birchwood Fire stations, dealing with general day to day administration duties.

“During this time I got to go out on a fire engine with the crew as they went about their general duties, which was a great experience. This gave me an insight into their work but also provided me with the highlight of my career.

“In April 2012 I got the job of fire safety inspector for Warrington which means I work with a team who ensures that the businesses in the community are compliant with the law.

“Basically this order ensures that any person who has some level of control in a premises must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.

“I go out and about around the town on a daily basis speaking to businesses and helping them where I can to comply with the regulation for their own sake and also for that of their staff and customers. 

“It’s a fact that 25 per cent of businesses never re-open following a disaster such as a fire or flood and 80 per cent of business who don’t recover within a month are likely to go out of business.

“Every day is different and I love that. One day I can be visiting local premises, completing site specific inspections or implementing post fire inspections and the next day I could be in court dealing with a prosecution.

“When a business doesn’t comply with the law and they haven’t listened to our advice then court and a prosecution is the very last resort.

“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to making a difference. If just one person takes my advice and a fire in a business premise is prevented then I’m happy.

“I also work with lots of different agencies and am fortunate to meet many people who appreciate the work that the team does protecting the business of Warrington.”