Meet the 999 siblings fighting fires across the Black Country
It's a family affair - meet the firefighting siblings who will be tackling blazes in the West Midlands.
Two brothers and their sister from the Black Country are the latest trio of siblings to be working as firefighters at the same time.
Ryan Green had his pass out ceremony at West Midlands Fire Service's headquarters, in Birmingham, in December – with his firefighter brother and sister watching on.
Having completed his initial training, 32-year-old Ryan, from Aldridge, is starting his fire and rescue career at Handsworth Community Fire Station.
It comes just a few months after his sister, 30-year-old Michelle Chambers joined the service working out of Dudley Fire Station, where she lives.
But the former bin man and children's nursery worker have some catching up to do with their rother Chris.
The 36-year-old joined West Midlands Fire Service in 2007 and has been a crew commander for five years.
Chris, who is based at West Bromwich fire station and lives in Sedgley, said: "I always wanted to join West Midlands Fire Service and I am extremely proud to be a firefighter.
“Ryan and I are also both sergeants in the Army Reserve.
"He has been trying to get into the fire service for several years, and my sister joined as she wanted a new challenge in her life.
“It’s great that we’re now working here together.
"Our parents couldn’t be any prouder, and we have got some great photos from Ryan’s pass out ceremony to look back on as a family.”
Sarah Warnes, assistant chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service, added: "Three siblings working as West Midlands firefighters at the same time is certainly rare, although not unheard of.
“It is fantastic that Chris, Ryan and Michelle have chosen fire and rescue careers. They are part of what we often refer to as our ‘999 family’.
"This includes all of our staff and colleagues in the other blue light services – all working to keep West Midlands communities safe.”
