SOMERSET NEWS: Full-time firefighters being recruited for first time in eight years

DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is for the first time in eight years starting to recruit full-time firefighters.

The Fire Service has only been able to recruit retained firefighters in recent years, but has now been given the green light to take on wholetime firefighters.

The role of a firefighter has changed dramatically, even in recent years, with so much more to the role than putting out fires.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Glenn Askew said: “We expect so much more of our firefighters in terms of their ability to adapt to a huge range of incident types and community work.

“One day a firefighter can be pulling people from fast flowing water and the next keeping our most vulnerable members of the community safe in their homes with our home fire safety checks.”

Firefighters are on hand to respond to emergencies 24/7 meaning shift work is essential. There are many different roles that make up the service and each one works together to deliver the essential community and response services as efficiently and effectively as possible.

ACFO Askew added: “We want to ensure that our workforce reflects both the community and the mix of skills and qualities required to do the job. For this recruitment process we particularly welcome applications from women as they are under-represented in our operational service.

"We also welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian or minority ethnic as they are also under-represented in our workforce and encourage everyone to see what the fire and rescue service can offer in terms of a challenging and interesting career.”

For those interested and wanting to see if they’ve got what it takes, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be running taster days in January for prospective applicants to see what it entails to be a firefighter.

The dates and how to book is available on the service website www.dsfire.gov.uk and information will be shared through their social media sites. The training will take place in August and all applicants need to be 18 or over by August 2017.

ACFO concluded by saying: “There are so many opportunities in the fire and rescue service for staff to progress their career. You can be a specialist in a number of areas and there is a career path that can lead you all the way to Chief Fire Officer, I have never looked back and have loved every minute of being in the fire and rescue service.”

Please email wtrecruitment@dsfire.gov.uk for more information or enquiries or visit www.dsfire.gov.uk .

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