Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue to recruit more on-call firefighters

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue are to recruit more on-call firefighters.

The service say they're keen to hear from people from every community in the area.

If you live within 5-8 minutes of an on-call station across Northamptonshire and are interested in applying, the recruitment portal is open until February 8th.

Richard Woods has been with Northants Fire and Rescue Service for four years and talks through why he became an on-call firefighter.

He's been balancing his life as a Democratic Services Officer at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) with being an on-call firefighter at Towcester Fire Station – and it is something he has thoroughly enjoyed:

“The best thing about being an on-call firefighter is the opportunity to be there and serve your local community in its time of need, and being able to help people on what is possibly the worst day of their life.

“The role also offers unique variety in my day-to-day life, with no two incidents being the same. It also provides many opportunities for personal and professional development.

“Growing up, my best friend’s dad was the Watch Commander at Towcester Fire Station, and two of my neighbours were also on-call firefighters at the station, so I used to love hearing their stories and seeing them respond to emergency calls. Since then, I always thought, I want to do that one day.

“The ease of being on-call is that I just carry on with my typical day as I normally would. Once up and ready in the morning, I begin setting up for the day in my primary role for the Council and I only then ‘become’ a firefighter when my pager goes off, after which I drop everything, get myself to the fire station, get kitted up, board the fire engine and set off to the incident.”

Northants fire and rescue say although the application process is thorough, local crews will offer support.

Members receive a retaining fee and are paid at an hourly rate. Those interested need to live within 5 to 8 minutes of a local on-call station.

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