Wanted: “Ordinary” people to do an “extraordinary” job in Shropshire. That is the job description for on call firefighters who respond to 999 calls in their local community.
The latest taster day when would be recruits can find out if they are “up to the challenge” will be held at Prees Fire Station on Saturday, July 16.
Women and men from across Shropshire are invited to attend the on call firefighting taster day organised by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They will find out what’s involved in being a firefighter, given a tour of the station, a chance to inspect equipment, look at the required fitness tests and career information.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is keen to make more women aware of the job opportunity. There are 15 on call and eight whole time women firefighters in Shropshire - four per cent of the total – a figure that the brigade wants to raise.
“The number of women in the fire service is really low and we want more women to be aware that there are opportunities to become on call firefighters,” said Natalie Parkinson, of the county brigade.
People of all ages, from all walks of life, become firefighters and turn out for emergency calls day and night, attend drill nights once a week, and live within five minutes of one of the county’s 23 fire stations.
“We want to encourage more women and men to become part-time professional firefighters. You would be joining a team of ordinary people doing an extraordinary job for the community,” said Natalie Parkinson.
“You need to live close to your local fire station, be fit, reliable and able to attend for duty at any time within your agreed hours.
“We provide training, support, promotion opportunities, excellent pay, conditions of service and a strong commitment to equality.”
Many county employers’ support their staff, who are on call firefighters, by allowing them to leave work at a moment’s notice when the alarm is raised. Firefighters also educate the public about fire safety.
The taster day has been split into two sessions with a women only session from 9.30am to midday and open to all from 12.30pm to 3.00pm.
For more information call Kat Thomas at Shrewsbury fire HQ on 01743 260200 or visit www.shropshirefire.gov.uk You can also follow the county brigade on Facebook and Twitter.
About 80 per cent of the brigade’s firefighters in Shropshire are “on call.”
