London’s longest serving Black female firefighter “grateful and blessed” by her 30 year career

London’s longest serving Black female firefighter has retired after more than 30 years of service.

Rosalie Jones, 53, from Peckham, joined the London Fire Brigade in 1989 and rose to the rank of Sub Officer before her retirement on February 24.

The mother-of-two said: “I’m touched by all the people who have got in touch. The people who were there on my last day made it so special. 

“Working at London Fire Brigade was a rewarding and challenging career. It has taught me so much and I feel grateful and blessed.”

Before joining the brigade, Ms Jones worked at a software company – but a chance encounter with a firefighter inspired her to change careers.

Since then, she has worked all across London in a range of roles including as an instructor, on a procurement project and in the Outreach team.

She said: “No two days in my 30 year career have been the same and that’s one reason why I love this job.”

But Ms Jones has not always found it easy to fit in and be accepted as a valued member of the team.

Ms Jones said her mother inspired her not to give up, adding: “She told me I can do it, don’t worry that I look different from everyone else, if they can do it then so can I.”

Speaking about the future, Ms Jones said: “I’m going to reinvent myself, I’m going to go back to college and get more qualifications. I’d like to be a life coach and I am hoping to inspire others to be the best they can be.”