Meet Ludo - From Firefighter and RAF Reservist to Static Guard

Ludo has been part of the team here at Venture Security since 2015, working in events before moving into a full-time static guarding role in April 2021. Having served over 10 years as a Royal Air Force Reserve Officer, and also holding Long Service Medals for both the Fire Service and Cadet Forces, Ludo’s previous experience has been invaluable for making the transition to the security industry.

In 2022, he received an MBE in recognition of his services to the local community and work with the Fire Fighters Charity.

We caught up with Ludo to find out more.

What was your career path before joining Venture?

I joined Wiltshire Fire Brigade aged 18 and was posted to Salisbury Fire Station. That was the start of my career with the fire service – a career that went on to last 32 years!

Alongside this, at the age of 20, I successfully applied for a Queen's Commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), where I was responsible for running Air Training Corps Squadrons in the UK.

The first two years of my Service life I was a Pilot Officer and appointed as Adjutant to 1010 (City of Salisbury) Squadron ATC. While there I was responsible for organising Adventure Training, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Schemes, Ten Tors teams, in addition to supporting the annual programme of RAF camps.

Rising through the ranks, I became a Flying Officer and at the age of 27 was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and posted to RAF Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, as Officer Commanding 1011 Squadron ATC, with a compliment of fifty staff and Cadets and an even busier annual programme of activities.

In 1983 I also became a Wing Staff Officer (for the Dorset/Wiltshire Wing of the ATC) responsible for organising all the sporting programmes, as Wing Physical Education Officer.

So, in addition to a busy Fire Service career, I completed 10 successful years with the RAF - until leaving to get married and start a family in 1988.

Why did you decide to work in security?

Following a career in the Fire Service, where I was dealing with many varied incidents, as well as the supervision of others in emergency situations, including First Aid, I believed I could offer a calm approach to many tasks and public facing challenges.

From my time in the RAF there are many transferable skills. This includes forward planning, needing strong attention to detail, team building, time management, leadership skills and the importance of understanding the assignment at hand. You also need to be able to manage any incidents with confidence and self-reliance. 

I have found many of the courses taken within the RAF, such as Mountain Leader and Adventure Training, along with organising sporting events, have led me to further job opportunities and a lasting interest in the great outdoors. 

What does your current role entail?

I’m currently working as a full time Static Guard at an Army HQ, but I also volunteer for extra duties on the event security side of things. This can be really varied and includes working at horse racing meets and community events, where I’m dealing with the safety of the general public and helping protect sites and assets. I’ve also assisted English Heritage with security and safety for visitors at Stonehenge.

What do you enjoy most about working at Venture?

One of the things I enjoy most is the varied challenges of public facing events, especially working as part of a team to achieve a safer environment for the public, so they can continue to enjoy small and large events. 

Venture Security is a well organised and structured company, which has given me an opportunity to undertake an interesting range of assignments locally.

Top tip for others thinking of working in security?

There is an increasing amount of work out there, for both part-time and full-time security operatives. Consider all the training you might undergo to gain the various licences for security work - such as the Door Supervisor Licence.

To find out more about opportunities to join the team at Venture by clicking here.