A woman who works at West Biridgford fire station has opened up about being the only hijab-wearing Firefighter in the UK.
Uroosa Arshid, who has been in the fire service for two years, has been celebrated by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue for her efforts working to keep the county safe.
Uroosa became the first hijab-wearing firefighter in the country when she started at the station on Loughborough Road where she has worked ever since.
The 27-year-old from Aspley has told Nottinghamshire Live she wasn't aware she would become the first firefighter until after she had got the job.
"I didn't know when I was applying," she said.
"It was confirmed only after I got the job, that's when I was told properly.
"Yeah it did surprise me a little - I didn't really think of it when I was applying. I've always wanted to be a firefighter, I've dreamed about it since I was little.
"I've always viewed the service as very equal and diverse."
She continued: "I guess I was proud, that's one way to describe it - it is a nice thing to know that I have broken down barriers and secured a position see as something they can do as well.
"I personally don't feel as though I am anything special. I'm a normal person who wants to do the job."
Uroosa has praised her colleagues for all of their help since she achieved her dream job.
She added: "The job is incredible - absolutely incredible.
"It was always a dream for me, always something I wanted to do. It's so rewarding. I go to work everyday and know I am contributing and possibly helping to save lives.
"My watch are amazing, they are so supportive and understanding.
"They have all been there for me right from the beginning, when I was very nervous. We've just become a family."
She added: “Being who I am, it came with a variety of barriers. Not only was I a woman and a person of faith, but I was also the first operational firefighter in the UK to wear a hijab.
“This was challenging because there wasn’t yet anything in place for me to practise my faith as well as carry out my role safely. I worked with various colleagues to research and find a solution for this, and we succeeded! But we are still working to create our own product that I hope will inspire other people with differences to come forward and take the challenge on in their own way.
“I believe most religions are rooted around peace, kindness and working together which are very similar to the values of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. This link needs to be celebrated and utilised to build better relationships in the community.
“I have had a lot of support from many people and different teams, and I am so grateful because none of this would have been possible without the backing of the service.
“In the future I would like to see so many more women in the Fire Service that you no longer feel like a minority. I want it to be so diverse that a stereotype isn’t possible. I want to see women realising their potential and pursuing their goals, whatever they may be.
“If I was to give any piece of advice to another hijabi wanting to become a firefighter, it would be that it IS possible to save lives and maintain your modesty all in one. If it is truly your goal you will find a way to make it work.
