[C]umbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is launching a fresh recruitment drive to find additional on-call firefighters.
They are recruiting on-call firefighters at a number of stations across the county.
Earlier this year a recruitment campaign to find on-call firefighters proved successful, with 24 new recruits joining CFRS.
To be an on-call firefighter, you must:
- Have a strong desire to support the local community.
- Be enthusiastic about working as part of a team.
- Have a reasonable level of personal fitness.
- Live or/and work within 5 minutes of your local fire station.
- Be available to respond to an emergency during a set number of hours each week (on average, on-call firefighters are paged to attend an emergency situation 2-3 times a week)
Cllr Janet Willis, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Fire and Rescue, said: “Being an on-call firefighter is a brilliant opportunity to serve your local community, learn some vital new skills and earn some extra money. I would encourage as many people as possible to consider a career as an on-call firefighter as it’s a really rewarding role. If you are interested in this role, check our website for more information.”
John Wall, a senior manager with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Many of the fire appliances across Cumbria are crewed by on-call firefighters who are extremely professional and provide an excellent service to their local community. They come from all walks of life and various professions, bringing excellent skills from these to their role as an on-call firefighter.”
Kim Bradshaw, a current on-call firefighter, said: “Being an on-call firefighter is hugely rewarding and will alter your life in ways you can’t imagine. I’d always wanted to be a paramedic and I enjoy helping people. Becoming an on-call firefighter felt like a great way to help the community and give something back.”
To apply, you must complete an application form; carry out a number of nationally recognised tests and have an interview and medical check.
For more information and an application form, go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/oncallfirefighters
