A Scots town could be forgiven for thinking the same tireless firefighter literally works 24/7 to protect them.
Identical twins Karen and Nicola Bennett have been working opposite shifts at Dunfermline fire station and even their own baffled colleagues struggle to tell them apart.
The 38-year-old pair revealed the confusion as they spoke about their work ahead of a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service national recruitment campaign.
Karen said: “There is always confusion, especially when we have to cover another shift.
“If someone new comes into the station they think they see us all the time because we are on opposite shifts. It can drive them demented.”
Nicola added: “Our shifts get us mixed up all the time but we are used to it now and I just answer to Karen.”
The sisters said they are thankful for each other’s support.
Nicola said: “It’s so reassuring to have someone you can talk to that understands what kind of a day you have had.”
Both got through the tough application process first time around.
Karen admitted: “I kept thinking ‘what if I don’t get through and Nicola does?’
“It was physically and mentally challenging but we were both determined to get through.”
Nicola added: “We both wanted the job so much.
“We were lucky to get in at our first attempt.”
The sisters, both mums, said the shift system worked well for them.
“The time we get off and the holidays allow us to be flexible for childcare, said Nicola.
Both sisters encouraged others to think about signing up with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“I would recommend a career as a firefighter,” said Karen.
“Every day is different and you get to help people.”
Nicola pointed out: “People still perceive the fire service as a male dominated career but this is certainly not the case – our shift is like our family.”
The service is seeking to recruit up to 200 new firefighters over the next two years.
It is expected 100 will report for duty in 2017 with the option of a further 100 in 2018.
More information is available at www.firescotland.gov.uk/peoplelikeyou or follow #PeopleLikeYou on social media.
The recruitment campaign opens on September 13.
