In this special episode of Beyond the Call, recorded at the Fireground Museum, host Area Manager Ben Levy explores 200 years of firefighting history in Greater Manchester — from the creation of England’s first municipal fire brigade in Manchester in 1826 to the modern-day Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Joined by retired firefighter and museum curator Bob Bonner and former fire control operator Lynne Bairsto, the episode looks back at the fire service through the decades, including memories of London Road Fire Station, the formation of Greater Manchester County Fire Service in 1974, major incidents such as the Woolworths fire and Strangeways prison riot, and the camaraderie and pride that have defined generations of firefighters and control staff.

The latest episode of Beyond the Call focuses on Neurodiversity Celebration Week, exploring neurodiversity in the fire service and what it can bring to the workplace.

Host Lydia Neary, Progression Coach at GMFRS, is joined by Station Manager Tony Henshall and Interventions lead Declan Jones, to share personal experiences and discuss what it means to build an inclusive service. 

In this episode, host Kathryn Aylett, GMFRS Training Development Manager, is joined by colleagues Sue Mallinson-Smitham, Sarah Scoales, and Amy Croxton-Evans to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Together, they share their career journeys across both operational and non-operational roles within Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, reflecting on leadership, development, and the opportunities available across the organisation.

They speak about the challenges they've overcome, who has inspired them, and why GMFRS is a great place for women to build meaningful careers.

In this episode of Beyond the Call, host Lauren Quigley, Initial Training Mentor, is joined by John Muggleton, Initial Training Team Lead, and Jo Musgrave, Corporate Trainer, to go behind the scenes of initial recruit training at Bury Safety Training Centre.

They discuss how recruits are trained to think like a firefighter, develop strong decision-making under pressure, and work in line with the values of GMFRS. From the drill yard to realistic training scenarios, the episode highlights how teamwork, resilience and professionalism are built from day one— with a strong focus on staying safe in emergency situations.

This episode offers a clear insight into how the next generation of Greater Manchester firefighters is prepared for the realities of the role.

In our end of year review, Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel sat down with Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sarah Nattrass, Manchester Central Station Manager Dan Brown and Initial Training Mentor Lauren Quigley to reflect on a busy year for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. They revisit major incidents, share learning points, and celebrate the resilience and spirit of the service - whilst also looking ahead to 2026.

GMFRS Station Managers Martin Cain and Russell Maden are joined by Kate Hanley from the RSPB at Dovestone Reservoir, as they explore the issue of wildfires in Greater Manchester. From causes and community impacts to peatland restoration and multi-agency response, this episode highlights how prevention, education, and collaboration are protecting landscapes, wildlife, and local communities in a changing climate.

Part 2 of the conversation between Andy Williams, JP Helliwell and Gaz Houldsworth about the shared values and experiences that connect the armed forces and the fire service. The guests open up about their own lived experiences: from Andy’s service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gaz’s time as a paratrooper and his family ties to GMFRS, to JP’s dual career as a firefighter and reservist.

A warning that this episode contains a reference to suicide, as part of a discussion about mental health and trauma.

Crew Manager Andy Williams is joined by his GMFRS colleagues and fellow veterans JP Helliwell and Gaz Houldsworth to explore the strong links between the armed forces and the fire service. Recorded at the Spearhead Foundation in Salford, the trio discuss military transitions, mental resilience, and the power of peer support through the GMFRS Armed Forces Network.