From fighting fires to fighting terrorism threat in Afghanistan

A firefighter who completed a six-month tour with the RAF reserve force in Afghanistan has accepted an honour that acknowledges the support given by employers to Reservists in the Armed Forces.

Mr Daniel Burnett, 32, received a silver award from the Employment Recognition Scheme on behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The award recognised how employers gave Reservists time off to for training and serving abroad.

It was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace, on behalf of SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reserve Forces and Employers) and the Armed Forces.

Mr Burnett, who works at Edwinstowe Fire Station, has been a Reservist for two years.

He joined the RAF Reserves because he wanted a new challenge.

Earlier this year, Mr Burnett completed a six-month tour of Afghanistan with the infantry, clearing paths for vehicles and troops to protect them from potential improvised explosive devices.

“It is a long time to be away from your family. It’s the most high-risk job you can have so it was certainly stressful,” he said.

“You are always looking out for the possibility of people shooting at you and have to be alert.

“Being an RAF Reserve takes your attention 24/7. There are no days off.

“I learnt to appreciate life a lot more while out there. Thinking of my family and my job got me through.”

Mr Burnett was a firefighter in Newark for eight years before he transferred to Edwinstowe in September 2013.

He said his time as a firefighter helped prepared him for Afghanistan as well as being involved in the Reserves.

“The ability to make quick decisions and deal with the unexpected were two parts of my job as a firefighter that helped me (in Afghanistan).”