22
September 2016
Abingdon
Old Abingdonians
OAs in the emergency services
Several OAs have careers in the emergency services, in the UK and internationally.
Here are three snapshots into the lives of OAs in the fire, police and ambulance services.
Tom Hewes
(1997)
After leaving Abingdon, I did a BSc in
Sports and Exercise Sciences. In 2002,
I joined the Welsh Ambulance Service
as a Paramedic. In 2011, I became a
Clinical Team Leader for Wales’ only
Hazardous Area Response Team.
I continued studying, and have
received a PGCE and MSc. Now, I am
still a Paramedic, but work full time
at Swansea University lecturing in
Paramedic Sciences. My most valuable
advice from Abingdon came from
my music teacher, Mr Elliot: “Go to
University, even if it is to study flipping
tiddlywinks!” – I owe him and the other
staff a lot.
Paul Coleman
(1991)
From planning and providing Police Air Support to the London 2012 Olympics to
supporting families through bereavement as a Roads Policing Officer, Thames Valley
Police has provided me with a challenging and rewarding career.
Now, as an Inspector, I lead a team of 30 officers providing policing to Oxford
City. As a senior Police Officer, I find myself making decisions that can make a real
difference to people’s lives. Abingdon provided me with the academic qualifications
required to join, but it was the Other Half activities that provided me with the
leadership qualities to progress.
I’m a Watch Commander in the fire service
training department, having joined in 2004
after trying various careers, including teaching,
demolition and scuba instructing. The work
ethic and learning environment at Abingdon
has undoubtedly helped me to thrive in an
extremely dynamic job.
Learning to adjust to an ever-changing
environment has been a challenge, as the
service has undergone huge changes recently.
My greatest reward has been the personal
satisfaction gained from helping people in their
time of need. I’d recommend the fire service for
anyone with a strong community spirit and a
calm head under pressure.
Philip Aiken
(1994)
