Cameron Hammond-Southgate
Dedicated aviation and on‑call firefighter protecting high‑risk environments and supporting local services across Suffolk
Cameron Hammond‑Southgate studied Uniformed Public Services at Suffolk New College for three years, completing both Level 2 and Level 3 between 2019 and 2022. His time on the course gave him a strong foundation in public‑facing roles, preparing him for the expectations, discipline and teamwork required in emergency services. Cameron credits the programme with helping him understand the realities of serving the public and with giving him the knowledge he needed to begin the firefighter development pathway. He also formed lasting friendships that continue today.
Shortly after leaving college, Cameron was offered a position as an aviation firefighter, a role that has taken him to two high‑category airports and given him hands‑on experience with a wide range of aircraft and emergency response scenarios. Alongside his aviation role, he also serves as an on‑call firefighter for the local authority fire service, a commitment that allows him to give back to the community he grew up in while expanding his skills even further.
Cameron has already achieved several professional milestones, including passing his LGV course and working towards his EFAD qualification (Emergency Fire Appliance Driving). He has also been offered a place in the whole-time pool after successfully progressing through the Suffolk Fire recruitment process. For Cameron, the biggest achievement of all is simple: being able to help people and make a positive contribution to his community.
His advice to current students is clear and encouraging: “Never give up. Be willing to travel and learn to get to where you want to be in your career.”