I have been working in and around the Bedfordshire Branch area since I joined the Society in 1999 - following 7 years service in the Army - and have been your local officer ever since.
I joined initially as an ACO. It was some ten years later before the opportunity arose to apply for the newly created AWO role. I was fortunate to be offered a position on the first course they ran in 2009.
Around the same time, I took the opportunity to volunteer for the Regional Flood Team; a rapid response team that can be called upon in times of natural disaster. As you would expect, the demands of the job necessitate fitness tests and evaluations eg swimming etc.
Not all officers wish to do this as we are on call all year round and receive no additional money. It's very challenging but rewarding. Those that pass are sent to Wales for a weeks intense training to become "Swift Water Rescue Technicians" - an International qualification.
Clearly its important to keep sharp and we train within our regional teams twice a year. The other members of the flood team from my group area are Insp Andy Bostock, Insp Richard Lythgoe and Insp Chris Nice.
We are trained to react quickly to prevent animal suffering, in or on the water and its proved itself on many occasion, saving significant time and money.
The Cumbrian floods were a good example of what we can achieve. I recall the phone call at midnight and immediately drove to Cockermouth. The water had a devastating effect on the surrounding area and the team were responsible for saving numerous animals over the following three days. Read the RSPCA article on it here:-Local RSPCA AWO and the Cumbrian Floods
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