If you want to give something back to your community, then being an on-call firefighter could be for you.
On-call firefighters make up a large proportion of the operational workforce at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) and are generally located in rural communities, within towns and villages.
As well as putting out fires and saving people from danger, a firefighter also deals with incidents involving hazardous materials, road traffic incidents, medical emergencies, floods and animal rescues.
On-call firefighters also carry out community, prevention, and education work, which includes:
- preventing fires and accidents from occurring in the first place.
- educating the community by visiting schools, community centres and people in their own homes.
- advising people about planning escape routes and fitting smoke alarms within their own homes in case of a fire.
- actively seeking to understand and to value diverse individuals and groups.
GFRS is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does. It welcomes applications from all members of the community. And although firefighters are required to have a good standard of fitness and practical ability, having a disability will not prevent you from applying as reasonable adjustments can be made.
On-call firefighters receive the same training as their full-time colleagues and there are opportunities to receive additional training to enhance their skills and knowledge. They must live within five minutes of the on-call community fire station and be at least 18 years of age by the start of their employment.
You can find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter at GFRS here.
Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer, said: “On-call firefighters are a vital part of Gloucestershire’s Fire and Rescue Service as we need people with drive, professionalism and high levels of integrity to help achieve our vision and deliver excellent services to our communities through a truly engaged, empowered, accountable and motivated workforce. We are currently recruiting across the county so anyone who can give their time to the service and wants to protect their community is welcome to apply.”
Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member with responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service, said: “If you want to be part of a team and make a difference in your community, being an on-call firefighter could be for you. As a former firefighter I know this role can give a great sense of pride, knowing you are helping people in a range of ways, whether it is putting out fires, dealing with road traffic accidents, rescuing animals or helping to educate and advise people. If you have the right attributes and would like to join the service as a on-call firefighter, please get in touch.”
