5 May 2026
At Chiptech, our employees’ dedication to our community and the people who rely on our devices often extends beyond the workplace, and that stands especially true for Product Engineer, Tim Andrews.
Image credit: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
Whilst Tim works on project plans and future products at Chiptech HQ, he also serves as an on-call firefighter for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS), responding from Lancaster Fire Station.
On-call firefighters are ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities, responding to incidents from home or work. Their contribution keeps communities safe, and they play a vital role in providing adequate cover for the areas they live and work in.
Balancing engineering work with emergency response isn’t always easy. When Tim’s pager sounds, he needs to drop everything and leave immediately, but our team understands the importance of the role and the positive impact it has on our community.
For us as a company, supporting his commitment reinforces what we stand for. It reflects the values that shape our work every day. We know that when Tim steps away from his desk, he’s stepping towards someone who needs help, and that’s something we’re immensely proud to support.
Emily White, Tim’s manager and Head of Product, said:
“We believe in contributing to the community we’re part of, and enabling Tim’s on-call duties is a meaningful way to live those values. The impact of a call-out to the business is minimal, and the skills Tim gains from the fire service positively contribute to his work with us too.”
For Tim, the dual role is both demanding and deeply rewarding:
“Being an on-call firefighter is a big commitment both professionally and personally, but I’ve developed skills like staying calm under pressure, thinking on my feet, and working closely with others, which have made me a stronger engineer.
“I’m really grateful to Chiptech for their support and flexibility. Their understanding means I can respond when needed without it impacting my work. In fact, the experience has only added value to what I do. It’s great to know I’m making a difference in the community while continuing to progress in my career.”
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service added:
“Employers who enable their staff to serve as on-call firefighters play a vital role in protecting local communities. Their flexibility and encouragement directly contribute to public safety.”
For us at Chiptech, enabling Tim to respond to emergencies from the office is more than a policy; it’s a shared commitment to our community. By supporting Tim, we’re contributing to something bigger than ourselves, and it’s a responsibility we’re proud to embrace.
Image credit: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
