A chef, company director, mine geologist and a supermarket baker are among the latest “on call” firefighter recruits to pass out from basic training with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They join a total of 21 newly trained retained firefighters with a variety of jobs including an accountant, security officer, landscape gardener, factory worker, farmer, welder, fire control operator, gym instructor, waiter, café worker, special needs and care workers.
Their ages range from 20 to 50, with one woman and a grandparent among the intake, and all have passed stringent fitness tests and an intensive recruitment course to learn basic firefighter skills before continuing on a three year training programme.
They join 300 colleagues who provide emergency cover at the county’s 22 retained fire stations – most in rural areas.
At a passing out ceremony held last night (Monday, October 22nd) at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn, they and their employers were thanked by Chief Fire Officer Paul Raymond for contributing to Shropshire’s firefighting force.
Mr Raymond told more than 200 family members and friends that they would be called out to carry out a wide variety of fire and rescue work at a moments notice. Many would be in the middle of a supermarket shopping trip or would have to abandon a family outing to deal with an emergency.
But the Chief Fire Officer told the new “on call” firefighters that they were joining “one of the best” fire and rescue services in the UK.
“Each of our 21 new firefighters not only brings to a 999 call their professional firefighting skills but also the skills they have in their other life. A brigade like our own can deliver a very special service to our community.”
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority Chairman Stuart West congratulated firefighters who drop “whatever they are doing” at home and work when an emergency call comes through. He also thanked family members for “putting up” with the disturbance to family life.
If you are interested in becoming an “on call” firefighter visit our on call firefighter pages or call 01743 260 200.
