10 things you didn't know about Julian Davis Buckle

She is a trailblazer by any standard. Julian Davis Buckle is deputy superintendent of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, with direct responsibility for the operational and the administrative functions in the parish of Clarendon. From a humble background in Sedburgh, Manchester, Davis Buckle is a first among firsts.

Educated at Knox College, she was not considered a scholar, but was determined to achieve and play her part in nation building. Davis Buckle represented her school in athletics and netball and, in fourth form, was selected for the training to the national netball team.

With an upbringing that inculcated the will to achieve, her mother and devoted stepfather ensured that she was well provided for and remained focused on her studies.

But she knew from an early age that she would not be following the traditional career path, as she wanted a career with a physical component. Not getting her first choice - the army, she opted to be recruited into the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and today, she has no regrets.

Her hunger for knowledge, self-confidence and determination had her climbing the promotional ladder progressively. She recalled her most significant promotions to be that of lance corporal and district officer.

Considered an unselfish team player, she thinks this has earned her the respect from her subordinates, peers and superior officers. Her strong belief in personal development and with her eyes on the apex of the professional pyramid, she equipped herself with the necessary accreditation in business administration and human resource management.

The investment paid off as the Fire Brigade soon realised her potential and, in return, invested in her. She was afforded the opportunity to study the public-sector senior management development programme at the Management Institute for National Development, and studied at the Fire Service College in England.

Not comfortable speaking of herself, she says her most distinctive personality trait is her self-confidence, boosted by her stint on the runway. She was second in the Miss Christiana and the Miss Manchester Festival Queen competition in 1998.

The committed mother of an athletic 10-year-old son opined, "I would love to be a mother like my mother - supportive and encouraging." She emphasised that her mother gave her the confidence she needed to face the world and she wants to offer the same to her child or children.

Married for 11 years, she hastened to point out that, without her husband's support and adopted passion for the task of saving lives and protecting property, her achievements would not have been this remarkable, and the future not so promising.

To ensure continued success, she reiterated that perseverance, unselfishness, self-confidence, humility, integrity, respect (self and other), and vision are just some components to consider.

Today, Outlook shares 10 things not previously known about Julian Davis Buckle, the striking firefighter - a beacon and role model.

- CFJ

1. She is a disciplinarian who believes in respect for self and respect for others.

2.Her guiding philosophy is: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

3.Julian was nicknamed 'Olive Oil' from the Popeye cartoon because of her extreme slim structure. (Not anymore).

4.She considers her best asset to be her 6'1" frame and her name-brand smile - 'the gap'.

5.She is seriously afraid of snakes and worms.

6.Her pet peeves are dishonesty, inequality, laziness and pessimism. Always view the glass as half full and not half empty.

7.Her formula for success is the acronym PUSH - Perseverance, Unselfishness, Self-confidence, Humility.

8.Her short-term goal is to extend her family.

9.Believes in volunteerism and wishes that more people would give of themselves in areas of competence or otherwise, and serves in the Jamaica Red Cross and the 4-H movement.

10. She is the number-one cheerleader for her sport-oriented son in athletics and football.